Gas explosions in Kaohsiung, Taiwan kill 22, injure 270

Multiple gas main explosions in Taiwan's second-largest city Kaohsiung killed 22 and injured 270 in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters had been at the scene investigating reports of a gas leak when the explosions occurred at about 1:00am, killing at least five firefighters.

A massive underground gas leaks caused a series of five explosions along roads in the southwestern port of 2.8 million, the force of the blasts propelling vehicle into the air and turning what were peaceful streets just moments earlier into 2 kilometers of smoldering trenches with propane flames leaping nine meters into the air.

Power was cut off in the effected area, making the task of searching for survivors buried in the rubble difficult.

The fires have been completely extinguished and almost 1,500 soldiers have been mobolized to assist with rescue operations.