A sudden explosion of starch-based powder at a recreational water park in New Taipei City left around 500 people injured, of whom 221 are in intensive care. After the accident, the wounded were rushed to different hospitals for emergency treatment. On the evening of June 27, as soon as they heard of the accident, volunteers of the Tzu Chi Foundation moved into action; they went to the accident site to care for and comfort the wounded and to the hospitals to look after patients and their families. They also presented the cash gift to express sympathy. Through a letter of condolence, Master Cheng Yen expressed her sympathy and blessings for the wounded.
Here is the full text of the letter (translated):
“The Life is impermanent; the land is fragile. At about 8.40 p.m. on June 27, at the Formosa Fun Water Park, there was an explosion of starch-based powder which resulted in more than 510 visitors receiving wounds, both light and serious. Among them, 180 are in intensive care units. When I heard the news, I thought of those people full of happiness as they enjoyed the entertainment with their families and friends in the park. This sudden explosion plunged the members of their family into sadness and anxiety. Facing this accident that happened in the twinkling of an eye, I had a deep and unbearable sense of sadness.
“As soon as the incident happened, the members of Tzu Chi showed the spirit of ‘When others hurt, I ache. When others suffer, I grieve’. They immediately went to the scene of the accident to help. They also organized people to go to the different hospitals to comfort the family members suddenly confronted by this emergency. They showed their love toward each person who was suffering terrible pain. They stayed until two or three the next morning. I also want to thank members of the emergency services who went without sleep or rest in order to save lives. Tzu Chi volunteers displayed sincerity and sympathy and deeply cared for each person who was suffering, providing warmth on which they could rely. They will accompany you through the path of recovery. “I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to our members for the way they showed this deep sincerity of the heart and reached out with both hands to provide the most practical help and comfort.
“I couldn’t be there in person. I am grateful for our members for the way they showed this deep sincerity of the heart and reached out with both hands to provide the most practical help and comfort. Together with everyone at the Jing Si Abode and all the members of Tzu Chi in the world, I am praying for the recovery of the wounded as early as possible and that the hearts of their family members can be comforted. Let us turn the grief of everyone into blessings, let us encourage and support each other and pray for a world without disasters.”
*慰問信全文
