Fire and explosions at golf ball factory kill at least five

A fire and explosions at a golf ball factory in Taiwan have killed at least five people and injured over a hundred more, officials have said.

The fire began at the factory in Pingtung County on Friday night and raged overnight.

Three firefighters were among the dead, authorities said.

Rescuers were searching for four factory workers and one firefighter who remained unaccounted for, officials said.

More than 100 people were taken to hospital with injuries.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and said she would travel to the area to visit those affected, according to Taiwanese news outlet Focus Taiwan.

Ms Tsai said the Pingtung County government had set up an emergency operation centre to offer assistance to those impacted by the fire.

Chou Chun-mi, magistrate of Pingtung County, said in a Facebook post the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

“Facing the grief of the family members, I could not say anything except to bow deeply, apologise, and express my deepest condolences,” she said after visiting the funeral home and meeting with victims’ families.

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Authorities said natural gas may have contributed to the explosions, which occurred as firefighters were attempting to put out the fire.

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