Deadly Fire Rips Through Taiwan Karaoke Club

At least 64 people died and 10 were hurt Wednesday night when flames tore through a central Taiwan karaoke club in one of the country’s worst fires in recent years.

The fire started at 7 p.m. in Weierkang Club, a three-story karaoke nightclub with a restaurant. It is in Taichung, a city about 75 miles southwest of Taipei.

National television quoted witnesses who escaped as saying they heard an explosion inside the restaurant, possibly on the second floor. The reports said more than 100 customers were inside but said only about 10 escaped.