Grieving father of Taiwan water park blast victim hangs himself

The father of a victim from the recent water park blast in Taiwan hanged himself last Saturday, Taipei Times reported.

The 63-year-old's body was found in the family's old unoccupied home, hours after he visited his injured son at Chang Kung Memorial Hospital on Saturday morning.

It is speculated that the man surnamed Wang was struggling to cope with his son's ordeal.

Although Wang's son sustained burns to more than 20 per cent of his body, the hospital said his injuries are minor and added that he is recovering well.

New Taipei City's government has urged families of the burn victims who have trouble coping with the aftermath of the incident to seek help from the city's burn management centres.

Meanwhile, the ciity's social welfare department has assigned a social worker to help each victim coordinate long-term care and rehabilitation.

According to CNA News, seven people have died from burn injuries and complications, while 175 others are remain in critical condition.

The coloured powder used at the Colour Play Asia event at Formosa Fun Coast water park on June 27 had caught fire and exploded, injuring nearly 500 revellers.

minlee@sph.com.sg