TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taichung District Prosecutors Office (台中地檢署) charged PX Mart (全聯) and 13 others Thursday (Dec. 11) in connection with a deadly warehouse fire. The fire in Dadu District (大肚區), Taichung City, broke out on Dec. 19, 2024, claiming nine lives and injuring eight people. Prosecutors announced the indictments following a year-long investigation. The charges stem from alleged negligence in fire safety protocols.
Investigations revealed that the fire resulted from negligence, according to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office. Those responsible knowingly installed flammable polystyrene panels without setting up required fire prevention systems. The failure to enforce hot work regulations further contributed to the tragedy, according to prosecutors' findings. Multiple safety violations led to the catastrophic outcome.
PX Mart expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the victims' families and care to the injured and their relatives. The company stated it is committed to facing the ensuing legal proceedings responsibly. PX Mart said the warehouse building was still under construction and had not yet been inspected and handed over by contractors at the time of the fire. The facility remained incomplete when the tragedy occurred.
Construction management was under the purview of Shinryo Taiwan (台灣新菱) and Hui Yi Construction (互益營造) during the incident. PX Mart emphasized its full cooperation with the judicial investigation since the accident. The company urged contractors to handle the families' rights appropriately and pledged to enhance safety management to prevent similar occurrences. PX Mart committed to implementing stricter oversight protocols. ◼