TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A gas explosion outside a residence at noon on Friday (April 19) killed one person and injured seven.

The blast occurred outside the first floor of a building in Kaohsiung's Sanmin District, per New-Reporter.com. Flames and smoke could reportedly be seen billowing from the first floor and soon spread to the second and third floors.

The blast and flames damaged three households. The fire department dispatched 26 vehicles and 68 firefighters. 

One resident died on the second floor and seven people were hospitalized. Among the injured was a 50-year-old man surnamed Chiu (邱) who had burns to 90% of his body and was rushed to the hospital. 

A preliminary investigation suggests that he may have triggered the explosion by igniting a propane cylinder. The six others injured were struck by flying glass shards. 

Police suspect that Chiu deliberately triggered the disaster by igniting a gas cylinder at his doorstep. Neighbors described him as a “troublemaker”who was often drunk and caused disturbances.