Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

The Tzu Chi Hospital in Taipei and at least 80 volunteers from the foundation went into action immediately after a devastating explosion at a water park in suburban Taipei on Saturday evening that left 516 injured, with 194 of them in serious condition.

The tragedy occurred at the Formosa Fun Coast Water Park in the Bali district of New Taipei City at 8.30 p.m. on June 27. A stage caught fire after flammable powder apparently exploded in the air during a ‘Color Play Asia’ party. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.

As soon as they heard of the accident, Tzu Chi volunteers and social workers rushed into action. About 80 went to different hospitals to provide care and comfort to the injured; others rushed to the park to provide help. Due to the large number of injuries, rescuers asked volunteers to stay with the injured and treat them with cold water or saline.

At 9 p.m., the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital contacted the fire department of New Taipei City to inform them that it was ready to receive a large number of patients. At 10.40 p.m., a resident brought his daughter to the emergency room. Then the hospital received 13 of those injured by the explosion. Dr Chou Yu-chen, superintendent of the hospital, has asked all departments to stand by; he also requested volunteers at the hospital to visit and comfort patients and their families.

In the morning volunteer assembly on June 28, Master Cheng Yen expressed her concern for the patients and prayed for their recovery. She expressed her gratitude to all the volunteers who had reacted immediately on hearing of the tragedy.

By Tzu Chi Foundation  2015/06/28