A devastating fire ripped through a hospital in southern Taiwan on Thursday, claiming the lives of nine people.
The blaze broke out in Pingtung County around 7:40 AM, and although firefighters managed to extinguish it by 1 PM, the damage was already done.
Eight victims succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital, while another was tragically found deceased at the scene.
The fire occurred on the same day that Typhoon Krathon made landfall in southern Taiwan, though authorities have not established a direct connection between the two events.
Krathon, which brought strong winds and heavy rain, forced schools and offices to remain closed for a second day. The storm has already resulted in two deaths and over 100 injuries.
