Tragedy strikes: 2 Thai workers killed in Juei Feng Aluminium plant blast

A tragic explosion at Juei Feng Aluminium Co., Ltd.'s plant in Kaohsiung on Saturday morning resulted in the loss of two Thai workers' lives, with six others sustaining injuries. The Kaohsiung City Fire Department officials reported that among the eight workers injured, one sadly passed away in the hospital, while another worker was found deceased at the site.

About the victims

The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, represented by Cholnan Srikaew, later confirmed that the victims were two Thai nationals: a 37-year-old man from Maha Sarakham province and a 46-year-old man from Chaiyaphum province. Additionally, a 31-year-old Thai man from Bangkok sustained severe injuries and underwent surgery at a Taiwanese hospital. Thankfully, he is now in stable condition.

Suspension of operation

Taiwanese authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of this devastating explosion, seeking to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. According to reports, the explosion at the aluminium plant may have been caused by a control system error, allowing moisture to come into contact with the liquid aluminium in the hose, ultimately leading to the devastating incident.

Following the tragedy, the Kaohsiung City Labour Bureau took action by suspending operations at the plant and imposing a fine of NT$300,000 (340,000 baht) on the owner. Furthermore, the city's Environmental Protection Bureau revealed that the Juei Fang Aluminium plant had previously been fined approximately NT$60,000 (68,000 baht) for violations of seven waste disposal laws during 23 investigations in 2022.

To address the needs of the affected Thai workers and their families, Cholnan explained that the Thai Labour Office in Kaohsiung City would oversee the compensation and benefits process. Any Thai workers requiring medical assistance would be repatriated to Thailand for further treatment. Cholnan also noted that the provincial public health offices in Chaiyaphum and Maha Sarakham provinces would provide support to ease the minds of the victims' families and relatives during this difficult time.