Premier Mao Chi-kuo today visited the Xinwu branch of the Taoyuan Fire Department to pay respects to the six firefighters who perished in a bowling alley blaze early this morning.
Accompanied by Interior Minister Chen Wei-zen and Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun, the premier lit incense in tribute to the firemen and offered condolence payments and his personal sympathies to the families.
Expressing profound sadness at the sacrifices made by the brave young men, the premier pledged the government's best possible compensation for their dependents. He asked the Ministry of the Interior to follow up on the matter closely.
The premier also hopes the lessons learned from this blaze will benefit future firefighting and rescue operations and prevent similar tragedies from happening again. He instructed the National Fire Agency be thorough in handling the case.