Taiwan gas blasts in Kaohsiung kill at least 22

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Taiwan gas blasts in Kaohsiung kill at least 22

KAOHSIUNG: -- A series of gas explosions in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung has killed 22 people and injured about 270, officials say.

The exact cause of the gas leaks is not clear, but reports say the blasts were caused by ruptured pipelines.

Images from the scene show major fires, cars overturned and significant damage to roads and buildings.

Dozens of those injured by the blasts were taken to hospitals for treatment, Taiwan's fire agency said.

"The local fire department received calls of gas leaks late Thursday and then there was a series of blasts around midnight affecting an area of two to three sq km [one sq mile]," the National Fire Agency added in a statement.

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28594693

[bbc]2014-08-01[/bbc]