IN under a minute, 15 would be killed and more than 500 injured as flames engulfed a family favourite theme park.
Now all that remains of Formosa Water Park in Taiwan are the burned-out shells of slides and pools that were once a memory-making haven.
Dax WardFormosa water park has been abandoned for years[/caption]
AFPThe fire engulfed the park in seconds[/caption]
ReutersInjured victims put on inflatables at the scene[/caption]
Dax WardThe burnt remains of slides at the park[/caption]
Dax WardThe structures have become overrun by trees[/caption]
Nestled just outside the capital Taipei, hundreds of young people flocked to the park for a party dubbed Color Play Asia on June 27, 2015.
But as they danced on a stage and in a drained pool, organisers suddenly deployed coloured cornstarch powder.
The green and yellow powder quickly ignited and engulfed the crowded festival in a fireball in seconds.
Terrified partygoers screamed in panic and tried to flee the roaring flames while desperately trying to not breathe in the powdery fumes.
In just 40 seconds, 15 people were killed and 508 revellers – mostly in their teens and 20s – were burned. At least 199 were left in critical conditions.
Hundreds of youngsters were scolded by the flames and inflatable water toys were quickly used as would-be stretchers to help victims.
Temperatures had soared to over 36C that day – meaning many partygoers were lightly clad.
As a result, dozens suffered burns to 80 to 90 per cent of their skin.
Authorities ordered an immediate shutdown of the park amid an investigation.
In the aftermath of the deadly inferno, two survivors took their own lives.
Investigators spent months probing what ignited the powder, and whether it could have been a cigarette or spark.
They determined the powder had come into contact with intensely hot stage lighting, which set on fire.
Almost a year on, the organiser of the party was found guilty of negligence.
Lu Chung-chi was jailed for four years and ten months in April 2016.
Prosecutors said Lu had failed to take proper precautions to prevent this and had not made sure technicians spraying the powder were sufficiently trained.
AP:Associated PressPolice investigators inspect the stage area after the fire[/caption]
Dax WardAuthorities closed the park in Taiwan after the incident[/caption]
Dax WardThe only visitors now are explorers[/caption]
Now almost a decade on, the park remains abandoned with its brightly coloured slides that once held precious memories now little more than a reminder of a tragic past.
A series of photos taken by Dax Ward reveal the crumbling remains of the site.
The ground remains blackened, with slides charred and overrun with plants.
Photographer Dax told The Sun: “Exploring its remnants, I attempted to capture its poignant tale through my lens.
“The experience proved eerie, reflective, yet undeniably compelling.
“As I walked away from the desolate grounds, I couldn’t shake the weight of what had transpired within those once vibrant walls.
“Though its days of laughter may be gone, the memory of those lost serves as a solemn reminder to cherish each moment and to never underestimate the fragility of life.”
Dax WardThe abandoned lifeguard chair[/caption]
Dax WardThe park closed down after a deadly fire[/caption]
Dax WardDinosaur structures left at the park[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
