New Taipei City, October 3, 2025 — A gas explosion and fire broke out this evening at Fang Ji Bento Restaurant on Chang’an Street, Luzhou District, injuring seven people, including both staff and customers.
Authorities said the blast originated in the restaurant’s kitchen, burning about 10 square meters. Among the injured were three employees and four patrons. One female staff member, 57-year-old Wu Huang, was critically hurt and remains in serious condition.
Emergency crews rushed the victims to several hospitals:
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New Taipei City United Hospital, Sanchong Branch: Wu Huang (57, employee, serious injuries), Hu (43, employee), and Zhang (59, customer).
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Tamsui Mackay Hospital: Li (30, customer) and Chen (62, employee).
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Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Zeng (58, customer).
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Shin Kong Hospital, Taipei: Jiang (32, gas worker).
The restaurant was previously shut down in July following a suspected food poisoning incident.
Investigators are now probing the cause of tonight’s explosion, with gas safety issues under close review.
