More than 500 people - including at least four Chinese nationals - are receiving treatment in hospitals around the capital of Taiwan and in neighboring cities following a dust explosion at a crowded party in a New Taipei City water park on Saturday night.

Taiwan's Central News Agency reported on Sunday that the organizers of the color party where the explosion occurred have apologized to the public. Both the organizers and the people in charge of special effects at the party have reportedly been interrogated by the police following the incident and handed over to prosecutors. Authorities have also temporarily shut down the Formosa Water Park where the incident occurred.

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Investigators say colored corn starch was sprayed around the stage at the party to create special effects, but for unexplained reasons it exploded in midair after circulating into the crowd. Videos of the party show when the explosion occurred. Bystanders had to improvise to carry the large number of wounded people to get medical attention.

At least 194 of the 516 people, who were injured at the party, are reported to be in critical condition. The city's fire department has revealed that most of the injured people suffered burns to their lower body area. Health authorities say some victims suffered burns to about 50 percent of their bodies and also inhaled large amounts of black carbon dust, Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, investigators are still trying to work out what could have caused the explosion. After visiting some of the victims of the explosion on Sunday, Taiwan's Prime Minister Mao Chi-kuo placed a ban on the use of color powder at large public gatherings.

Chinese authorities have expressed sympathy with the victims of the explosion and have offered to provide assistance. Meanwhile, authorities are reportedly helping the relatives of Chinese nationals, who were caught in the explosion, to depart for Taiwan.

TagsTaipei Party Explosion, Taiwan, Formosa Water Park, Color Play Asia, Taiwan Party Explosion