Nine people have been confirmed dead after a massive fire engulfed a food-processing building under construction in Taichung, central Taiwan, authorities have reported.
Videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying scene, showing thick black smoke and bright orange flames erupting from the five-story structure.
The Taichung city government revealed that the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of foam panels at the site. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
One victim reportedly jumped from the third floor in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, while others were discovered by firefighters during an extensive search that lasted into the evening, according to local media.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the cause of the tragic incident.