Prosecutors on Friday launched an investigation into the collapse of a seven-story building in Hualien County earlier in the day, questioning the contractor on a demolition project that was not scheduled to be completed until the end of the year.
The contractor from Yakuo Mechanics and Engineering Company, along with five workers on the demolition site, was questioned to see whether they had violated the Offenses against Public Safety law, the Hualien District Prosecutors Office said.
The seven-story building on Guolian 5th Road in downtown Hualien, which was once a hotel, collapsed Friday afternoon during demolition work, damaging three vehicles parked nearby but causing no casualties, according to the county’s fire department.
The demolition work began three weeks ago and was scheduled to be completed on Dec. 23, according to Teng Tzu-yu (???), head of the Hualien’s Economic Affairs Department.
In a statement Saturday, Yakuo said the 41-year-old building had tilted forward and collapsed prematurely Friday because two of the pillars at the front were hollow.
The company said it will take full responsibility for the building collapse.
According to Teng, however, an investigation will be required into Yakuo’s demolition plan and methods at the building site.
The building, which once housed Manbo Holiday Hotel, was being demolished in preparation for a reconstruction project.As of 2 a.m. Saturday, the debris at the site had been cleared and traffic had resumed on the road in front of the building.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel