TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan High Court (高等法院) ruled on Tuesday (Feb. 25) that the Tourism Bureau (觀光署) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部), and the New Taipei City Government (新北市政府) must compensate seven families NT$21 million for their negligence related to the 2015 Formosa Fun Coast (八仙樂園) explosion.
The court found a causal link between their inaction and the tragic event following the dust explosion at a "Color Party" hosted by Rebirth International Integrated Marketing Co, Ltd (瑞博國際整合行銷有限公司) at Formosa Fun Coast on June 27, 2015 resulted in the death of several people
The Shilin District Court initially dismissed the families' claims, but the Supreme Court ordered a retrial, which led to this new judgment. The High Court noted that the Tourism Bureau failed to address the illegal operation of the "Happy Great Barrier Reef" (快樂大堡礁) attraction.
The court criticized the New Taipei City Government for inadequate supervision, allowing the illegal facility to operate without penalties under urban planning and building laws. The attraction's basin-like terrain contributed to the explosion, as colored powder accumulated and intensified the blast. The High Court emphasized that removing the illegal structure and filling the depression could have prevented the disaster.