Manhole goes flying after underground cables blow up

2026-09-15

A sudden underground explosion sent a manhole cover flying into the air on Tuesday morning in Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District. It all happened without a warning. Locals report being scared witless, as a deafening explosion echoed around the neighborhood and the area filled with smoke. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Heard explosion
It went “Bang!” Thankfully, we’re fine. But if a car had been there… it would be over.

Member of public
Heard explosion
I heard a really loud boom. Yeah. It was deafening.

Mo Shang-chung
Guopi Borough Warden
The explosion was caused by a 500-volt power line. Local residents informed me about it at around 10, and we quickly notified the relevant authorities. From what we know, the 500-volt power line blew up. Taipower technicians are conducting repairs. The electrical supply hasn’t been affected.

The explosion occurred on Fongding Road, which was busy with traffic at the time. The manhole cover was blown right off the asphalt, cracking the road surface and scattering debris all over. Taipower technicians have since inspected the site. They confirmed that the explosion was indeed caused by a short circuit in the high-voltage cables under the road surface. Despite the road damage and the impactful images, nobody was injured.

#highvoltage #manhole #kaohsiung #taiwannews #explosion

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疑地下高壓電線故障! 人孔蓋爆炸竄火煙民眾嚇壞

2026-09-15

今天上午九點多，高雄鳳山區鳳頂路，發生一起人孔蓋爆炸意外，當時人孔蓋猛烈爆開，還伴隨著火光跟白煙，連柏油路都被炸裂，嚇壞經過民眾。

[[民眾]]
“就突然砰，幸好沒事，車子停在那邊就完蛋了。”

[[民眾]]
“剛剛砰一聲很大聲耶，對啊，很大聲。”

[[高雄鳳山過埤里長莫尚忠]]
“是這個500伏特的線路，產生爆炸造成的影響。大概10點鐘左右啊，這個里民反映，我們就迅速通報相關單位，目前了解的大概就是500的線路爆炸，由台電的人員來做後續的維修，針對這個民生用電，目前是沒有影響的。”

事發在高雄鳳山區鳳頂路，當時汽車機車來來往往，卻忽然發生人孔蓋爆開意外，蓋體整個變形，連周遭路面也被震裂，碎石散落在車道上，宛如馬路突然被炸出一個破口。經台電人員到場查修，確認是地下高壓電線故障短路，強大衝擊力才會造成人孔蓋跟柏油路炸裂。幸好意外發生當下，沒有任何人車經過造成傷亡。

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Pitcher left bloodied after getting bludgeoned by speedy line drive

A baseball game suddenly turned bloody on Monday evening, after a speedy line drive came straight back at the pitcher, hitting him square in the face. Rakuten Monkeys pitcher Chuang Hsin-yen, immediately collapsed on the mound, as stunned teammates and medics rushed onto the field to help. The game was forced to stop as Chuang was carried away on a stretcher and rushed to hospital. Thankfully, he later posted a message reassuring worried fans, but doctors found he had suffered multiple serious facial injuries.

The batter smashes the baseball, sending a powerful line drive towards the mound, hitting pitcher Chuang Hsin-yen slap bang in the middle of the face. He collapsed to the floor from the impact.

Teammates and medics rushed over to help. He was quickly loaded on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

- Wang Po-hsuan’s powerful strike got him to first base. But everyone is more concerned if Chuang Hsin-yen is alright.

The incident took place on Monday evening at a CPBL game between the Rakuten Monkeys and the TSG Hawks. Chuang had come in to pitch at the bottom of the 8th inning, and didn’t last long, as he was quickly bludgeoned by Wang’s fast line drive, which gave him no time to dodge it. Even the batter was shocked, and he immediately went to check on his rival.

- Wang Po-hsuan is rushing over to check how Chuang Hsin-yen is doing.

The game was brought to a halt while Chuang was taken away. After the game, many fans flocked to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

- I’m so sad.
- Were you scared for him?
- Yes! It looked so bad.

Baseball fan
Worried about Chuang
I hope that the sound of our cheers and blessings will reach him.

Team staff
Rakuten Monkeys
- They’re fixing him up.
- They are? Thank you.

At 9 in the evening, Chuang made a post on social media saying, “No need to worry about me, I’m fine.” The batter also posted a story on his Instagram, saying how sorry he was and explaining that he had spoken with Chuang privately. On Tuesday, the Rakuten Monkeys released a statement with more details, saying that Chuang had sustained a facial fracture, lacerations and broken teeth, and was scheduled to undergo surgery that same day. They also conveyed Chuang’s gratitude for all the fans who reached out to him.

#baseball #linedrive #pitcher #batter #rakutenmonkeys

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2026-09-15

Two men blow up statues at popular urban exploration site

2026-09-15

Taiwan’s new national ocean radar network makes beach days safer

Taiwan is setting up a national ocean radar observation network, linking 59 radar stations across the island’s surrounding seas. It’s the result of interagency collaboration from the likes of the Ocean Affairs Council, National Academy of Marine Research and other ministries. By integrating AI with real-time ocean current data, the system can do things like help predict the drift paths of people who have fallen overboard, securing precious time for rescue operations. Aside from contributing to beach safety, it’s also strengthened surveillance of strategic areas. Let’s find out more.

Combining live-action footage with animation, we take you on a journey through the process of developing Taiwan’s ocean radar observation network.

Kuan Bi-ling
Ocean Affairs Council
We are moving forward from this starting point, and there is certainly a great deal of work ahead of us—ensuring system stability and data accuracy, achieving precise interpretation, and enabling effective utilization. We have reached a total of 59 units to date, as the systems at Yuguang Island and Cijin are now operational; we will continue to press ahead with this initiative.

Marine radar systems are being progressively deployed across Taiwan and integrated with AI applications to create a connected network covering the nation’s waters. This initiative not only enhances safety for marine activities and recreation but also eliminates previous monitoring blind spots, prioritizing the reinforcement of key strategic maritime areas.

Chen Chung-ling
National Academy of Marine Research
Following the deployment of marine radar systems, we will further implement AI applications—such as for detecting rip currents near beaches. Looking ahead, the ability to monitor rip currents and broader ocean currents will prove immensely beneficial for civilian disaster prevention, maritime navigation safety, oil spill dispersion tracking, and search-and-rescue operations.

Through interagency cooperation and technical exchanges, maritime security monitoring and disaster response capabilities are being enhanced, adding another layer of protection to Taiwan’s maritime security.

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#radarsystems #marine security #Taiwansecurity #beachsafety #watersafety

2026-09-15

Young woman suspected of spying on Taiwanese officers in Italy

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim recently made a short trip to Italy to attend the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to safeguard these principles. However, there are suspicions that this diplomatic trip was targeted by the Chinese Communist Party intelligence to gather information. Shieh Jhy-wey, Taiwan’s representative to the EU, revealed on Tuesday that a woman appeared at a restricted area where Taiwanese security personnel were gathering. Though she claimed to be a cleaning worker, she is suspected to have been sent by the CCP for intelligence gathering.

During her speech at the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke about Taiwan’s determination and commitment to protecting its democratic way of life. She also engaged with European partners to deepen bilateral ties. But there were many challenges to make the trip happen.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign Minister
This trip was like a three-pronged operation involving land, sea, and air, because the route was very complex; it wasn’t just a point-to-point journey. We also experienced poor sea conditions. Indeed, we faced many unpredictable circumstances.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, who was present during the entire trip, revealed the challenges they faced behind the scenes upon returning home. Given the complex international geopolitical situation, President Lai Ching-te chaired two decision-making meetings for pre-travel preparations. Not only was security ensured, but contingency planning was also conducted to test various scenarios. Despite the meticulous planning, China still attempted to sabotage the trip.

Taiwan’s Representative to the EU, Shieh Jhy-wey, released photos showing security personnel conducting a pre-meeting reconnaissance. They spotted a young woman looking at her phone. Since the venue was empty, the woman sitting alone on a nearby bench immediately raised suspicion. The woman claimed to be a cleaning lady, leading everyone to believe she was a spy sent by the CCP.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
I think the Italian police are aware of such situations.

China’s diplomatic suppression of Taiwan is relentless. In 2026, on the eve of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, a friendly nation, China blocked his flight route. In 2024, Hsiao Bi-khim, as Vice President-elect, was invited to secretly visit the Czech Republic. During her visit, Chinese agents even followed her convoy, nearly causing a major car accident. These outrageous methods demonstrate China’s tyrannical and arbitrary actions.

Wang Ting-yu
Legislator
China is attempting to make Taiwan disappear from the international stage to portray Taiwan as China’s internal affair. If China takes any action against Taiwan, we will lose international support. Therefore, no matter how difficult diplomacy becomes for us, we must strive to make the world see Taiwan.

Meanwhile, there has been significant progress in Taiwan-Philippines relations, with preparations underway to open a representative office in Cebu, Philippines.

#taiwandiplomacy #蕭美琴 #eswatini #italy #CCP

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2026-09-15

Manhole goes flying after underground cables blow up