YILAN, Taiwan — A tragic fire in Suao Township, Yilan County, claimed the lives of an Indonesian couple on Tuesday afternoon, including a woman who was reportedly six to seven months pregnant.
According to the Yilan County Fire Department, the blaze was reported at 1:28 p.m., prompting a swift response from emergency teams. Upon arrival, firefighters found the first floor of the residence engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the structure.
Fire crews managed to bring the fire under control by 1:49 p.m. and completely extinguished it by 2:15 p.m. During the search and rescue operation, they discovered an unconscious pregnant woman on the stairwell between the second and third floors. Despite immediate efforts, she was later declared dead at the hospital.
Shortly after, firefighters found the body of a man—believed to be her husband—inside a bathroom on the second floor. He was also pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Authorities revealed that the building housed multiple tenants, including Indonesian and Filipino couples. The deceased male reportedly worked as a cement laborer.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Local officials have extended their condolences to the families of the victims and are working to support the other residents affected by the incident.
