Sanchong Yakiniku Smile restaurant fire injures nine people

A fire broke out at the Yakiniku Smile restaurant in the Sanchong District of New Taipei City on the evening of the 20th. The blaze, which reportedly started on the first floor involving tables and cooking equipment, quickly spread to the second floor, filling the building with thick black smoke and obstructing standard escape routes.

Nine people, including customers and an employee, were injured and sent to local hospitals. Some individuals were forced to jump from the second-floor windows to escape the smoke. One witness described a harrowing scene where a young boy jumped down first to assist his family members by catching them as they leaped from the building.

While all nine injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition, the restaurant has announced it will close its Sanchong branch permanently. Some regular customers have raised concerns regarding a recent change in oil-based sauces, suggesting they may have contributed to the fire's intensity, though official investigations by fire authorities are still ongoing to determine the exact cause.