President Ma Ying-jeou is calling for a speedy investigation into the gas explosions that rocked the southern city of Kaohsiung on July 31st. Ma made the call at a press conference on Monday.
The propylene-fueled explosions, which killed 30 people and injured more than 300, have led to finger-pointing between the central and local governments. Ma urged prosecutors to unearth the cause of the blasts.
“[I] would like to urge prosecutors to conduct a speedy investigation into the accountability and cause of the accident," said Ma. "Their investigation should enable them to give the victims, the injured, their families and the Taiwanese people a clear and comprehensive report.”
Ma said that two other priorities include rebuilding the two shattered neighborhoods that were hardest-hit by the blasts, and taking steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The president said the incident should serve as a lesson for county and city governments. He ordered a comprehensive review of all petrochemical pipelines, saying that it was a crucial matter of safety.
President Ma said the central government and local officials must work together to help Kaohsiung recover from the tragedy.