Owners never inspected Taiwan gas pipeline that exploded because they 'didn't have the keys'

Construction company and owner deny responsibility after 28 killed

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Workers clear debris from an intersection in Kaohsiung. Two firefighters are still missing from the explosions that killed at least 28 people. Photo: XInhua

Published: 1:00pm, 4 Aug 2014Updated: 11:42am, 14 Jun 2018

Taiwanese Premier Jiang Yi-huah has announced an overhaul of pipelines across the island after a series of deadly explosions in the southern city of Kaohsiung claimed 28 lives and injured more than 300.

He said a comprehensive review of the city's underground pipelines would take place, including their design and management.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs will compile all relevant information regarding underground pipelines to help assess which ones should be moved.

Reconstruction efforts following the blast would cost about NT$1.9 billion (HK$492 million), the city government said yesterday.

Watch: Rescue continues after deadly gas explosions in Taiwan's Kaohsiung