NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan — December 14, 2025 — A fatal residential fire broke out early Sunday morning in an apartment building on Jianzhong Street, Xinzhuang District, claiming the life of a 16-year-old girl, authorities said.
The fire was reported at around 4:00 a.m., with flames and thick smoke seen coming from the second floor of the apartment. Firefighters arrived at the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control after about 30 minutes of firefighting efforts.
According to preliminary information, the victim, identified by her surname Zhou, lived on the second floor of the building with her 59-year-old father. At the time of the fire, her father was away at work, serving as a security guard, leaving the teenager alone in the apartment. Authorities believe the girl was unable to escape in time and died in the fire.
The New Taipei City Fire Department dispatched eight fire brigades, 26 fire engines, and 61 firefighters to the scene. Fire crews immediately deployed water lines to extinguish the flames and safely evacuated three residents trapped on the fourth floor. The fire was fully extinguished at 4:59 a.m., with the affected area measuring approximately 30 square meters.
Tragically, during post-fire inspections, firefighters discovered the girl’s body between the living room and bedroom on the second floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s father rushed home after receiving the devastating news and was reportedly overcome with grief upon learning of his daughter’s death.
The teenager’s remains have been transferred to a funeral home for further examination. Fire investigators are continuing to determine the cause of the blaze.