Fire at Pingtung Hospital Kills Nine

A devastating fire at a hospital in Pingtung County, Taiwan, claimed the lives of nine individuals on October 3, coinciding with the landfall of Typhoon Krathon. The fire started around 7:40 AM and was extinguished by early afternoon, with eight victims initially declared dead after treatment, and one more found deceased at the scene. The typhoon, which brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulted in two additional fatalities and over 100 injuries, prompting the closure of schools and offices. Soldiers assisted in evacuating approximately 176 patients to safety amid the challenging weather conditions. Authorities have not established a direct link between the fire and the typhoon, despite the coinciding timing. Krathon is noted for its unusual west coast landfall, a rare occurrence for typhoons affecting Taiwan.