Tragic Blaze in Tainan: Fire at Incense Shop Claims Couple's Lives

Explosions and Intense Heat Hamper Rescue Efforts as Owner and Wife Perish in Early Morning Fire.

A devastating fire erupted at an incense shop on Wenhua Road in the North District of Tainan, Taiwan, shortly before 2:00 AM. The blaze quickly engulfed the building, fueled by the presence of a large quantity of pyrotechnics and easily flammable materials, including 金紙 (jinzhi) and firecrackers. The resulting explosions made rescue efforts extremely difficult.

The shop owners, Mr. and Mrs. Wu, were trapped on the second floor, in the back 房間 (fangjian, room). Despite the firefighters' best efforts, the fire raged, and the explosions continued. The fire was eventually brought under control around 4:00 AM, and the couple was subsequently rescued.

Mrs. Lin, the 67-year-old 老闆娘 (laoban niang, female boss/shop owner), was pulled from the second-floor fire scene, suffering second-degree burns. She was rushed to National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Subsequently, Mr. Wu, aged 68, was also rescued from the second floor and transported to the Chi Mei Hospital in Yongkang. Both were found without vital signs and were declared dead at the hospitals.