Tainan explosion investigation leads to detention of three suspects

A series of explosions in the Annan District of Tainan, Taiwan, on the early morning of the 22nd has left 15 people injured and affected hundreds of households. The incident occurred in a vacant lot on Haidian Road, which had been used to illegally stockpile metal waste containing magnesium and aluminum.

The Tainan District Prosecutors Office has detained three individuals, including a local village chief, following allegations of involvement in the illegal disposal of waste. The suspects face charges of public danger and violations of the Waste Disposal Act. Authorities stated that the detainees were held without bail due to risks of collusion, destruction of evidence, and flight.

Fire safety experts have noted that magnesium and aluminum scraps are highly volatile and can ignite due to friction, high temperatures, or moisture. Such metal fires are extremely dangerous because they react violently with water to release hydrogen gas, which can trigger secondary explosions. Officials advise that these fires must never be fought with water or standard extinguishers, but rather with specialized Class D extinguishers or dry sand.