Overview of the Incident
Four subcontracted construction workers have died following a structural collapse at a Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) plant in Kaohsiung, after the final remaining survivor succumbed to his injuries in an intensive care unit. The accident occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. on October 20 at the company's Fab 22 Phase 4 construction site within the Nanzih Science Park.
According to the Kaohsiung Fire Department and the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau, four male workers employed by a subcontractor were performing steel-structure hoisting and installation work on an upper elevation when the platform gave way. Three of the workers were pronounced dead shortly after being transported to local hospitals on October 20, while the fourth worker, identified by the surname Huang, was admitted to intensive care with critical injuries and passed away the following morning on October 21.
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
Initial assessments by labor inspectors and local authorities indicate that the disaster may have been triggered by a mechanical failure in the framework. Preliminary findings suggest that bolts securing a connecting plate on the exterior third-floor steel structure snapped or lost structural integrity during the lifting operations. This sudden separation caused both the heavy steel components and the workers to plunge to the ground.
Investigators are examining whether safety harnesses failed to arrest the fall because the anchor points were attached directly to the collapsing steel structure. Officials from the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau secured the scene immediately following the emergency response. Labor authorities have ordered a complete suspension of all steel-lifting and related heavy structural operations at the affected project site pending a comprehensive safety audit.
Company Response and Facility Background
In response to the fatal incident, TSMC announced that it has voluntarily halted steel-structure installation work across all of its active construction sites nationwide while safety reviews are conducted. Corporate representatives stated that on-site safety teams are cooperating fully with labor inspectors and assisting the primary contractor with family compensation and aftercare.
The Fab 22 complex in Kaohsiung's Nanzih District is designated as a major manufacturing hub intended for advanced semiconductor production processes, including next-generation 2-nanometer architecture. Regulatory authorities noted that further determinations regarding operational penalties, fines under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and schedule impacts for the plant will depend on the final findings of the ongoing government investigation.
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