Worker trapped on roof of burning Taiwan chemical factory rescued after over 2 hours

A worker was rescued from the roof of a burning chemical factory in Changhua County, Taiwan, on Nov. 4, more than two hours after the fire broke out.

The fire broke out at around 6:03pm at a four-storey chemical factory operated by Gatherfu Industrial in Changbin Industrial Park, according to United Daily News (UDN).

The worker, surnamed Fan, was trapped on the rooftop, surrounded by flames and thick smoke.

Firefighters rescued him using an aerial ladder truck at 8:21pm.

According to Public Television Service (PTS), he was taken to Changhua Christian Hospital for treatment.

Worker sought refuge on rooftop

According to a UDN follow-up report on Nov. 5, Fan sought refuge on a balcony when the fire broke out and waited beside a pillar for rescuers.

Jiang Jinsong, deputy chief of the fire department's First Brigade, said firefighters discovered a fire near the factory's boiler when they arrived.

Four or five explosions occurred during the incident.

The factory manager told firefighters that a worker was trapped near a control room on the fourth floor.

After locating Fan, firefighters deployed an aerial ladder truck to rescue him.

During the rescue, firefighters sprayed water to cool the area around Fan and disperse the thick smoke.

Jiang explained that winds helped disperse smoke and heat from the area.

The partial collapse of the factory's walls also prevented heat and thick smoke from accumulating around the worker.

Firefighters repeatedly used a loudspeaker to tell Fan to remain where he was and wait for rescue.

Fan was eventually brought to safety at 8:21pm.

Worker remained in critical condition

According to PTS, the worker was conscious when he was rescued and was subsequently taken to hospital.

In its Nov. 5 follow-up, UDN reported that the worker had sustained burns to his face and limbs, affecting approximately 30 per cent of his body, as well as smoke inhalation injuries.

Changhua Christian Hospital said the worker received emergency treatment before being transferred to its burns centre.

The hospital said the worker remained in critical condition and was under observation.

Fire extinguished after more than 2 hours

According to PTS, the fire spread rapidly after chemical solvents leaked and caught fire on the factory's first floor.

The factory stored more than 10,000 litres of flammable chemical liquids, and several explosions occurred during the blaze, per PTS.

Authorities deployed 25 fire vehicles, two ambulances, two rescue robots, a drone and 61 firefighters to the scene.

The fire was extinguished at around 8:32pm.

The Changhua County Environmental Protection Bureau also sent personnel to monitor the area following reports of toxic gas emissions.

Residents in the area were advised to keep their doors and windows closed and wear masks.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.