A young couple was found dead in a hot spring bathhouse in Beitou, Taipei, on Saturday, with authorities suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death. The incident has prompted investigations into safety standards at similar establishments across Taiwan.
The victims, a 46-year-old woman and her boyfriend, were discovered at the rental bathhouse late Saturday evening. According to initial reports, the woman died after prolonged immersion in the hot spring water, while her boyfriend succumbed to a heart condition, reportedly triggered by shock upon discovering her condition. , police began investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Forensic pathologist Kao Ta-cheng indicated the presence of a “rotten egg smell” – a common indicator of hydrogen sulfide, a potentially lethal gas often associated with improperly ventilated hot springs – at the scene. He urged immediate evacuation in such situations. The presence of this odor raises serious questions about the ventilation systems at the bathhouse and the potential for dangerous gas buildup.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities have yet to determine the precise cause of death. An autopsy has been ordered to provide a definitive answer. As of , the results of the autopsy remained inconclusive, necessitating further examination.
The incident echoes a similar tragedy from , when four Vietnamese nationals were found dead in an apartment in Taoyuan, also suspected to be the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. That case involved two men and two women, some of whom were migrant workers and students. The victims had reportedly been gathering at the apartment when the incident occurred. The hot water heater was found running in the bathroom at that time, suggesting a possible source of the carbon monoxide.
The earlier incident in Taoyuan involved two migrant workers – aged 23 and 27 – who had left their designated employment, and two female students, aged 20 and 24. One of the students held a student work permit, while the other was enrolled full-time. The Taoyuan Police Department’s Yangmei Precinct investigated that case, finding no signs of forced entry or theft.
Vietnamese authorities are monitoring the investigation into the deaths of the four citizens found in Taoyuan and are providing support to their families. This demonstrates the international implications of such incidents, particularly concerning the welfare of migrant workers and students abroad.
The recent Taoyuan case, and now the Beitou incident, are prompting a review of safety regulations at hot spring facilities and rental properties across Taiwan. Concerns are being raised about the adequacy of carbon monoxide detectors and ventilation systems, as well as the enforcement of existing safety standards. The Taipei Times reported that police found a flue-style water heater on the balcony of the Taoyuan apartment where the four Vietnamese nationals died.
The four Vietnamese nationals found in Taoyuan were identified as Nguyen, 22, Tran, 27, Nguyen, 23, and Phan, 20. Nguyen was found on the bathroom floor with the hot water running, while Phan and the other two victims were discovered in separate bedrooms. The lack of visible injuries and signs of forced entry initially pointed towards accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
The incident in Taoyuan also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and students in Taiwan. Two of the victims were undocumented workers, raising questions about their access to safe working and living conditions. The case underscores the need for greater protection and support for vulnerable populations.
The current investigation in Beitou is focused on determining whether the hot spring bathhouse was properly maintained and whether adequate safety measures were in place. Authorities are examining the ventilation system, gas levels, and the condition of the water heater. The findings of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the regulation of hot spring facilities in Taiwan.
The Taipei Times reported that preliminary investigations suggest carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause of death in the Taoyuan case, but autopsies were requested to confirm this. Similarly, in the Beitou incident, authorities are awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the precise cause of death and whether carbon monoxide poisoning played a role.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with improperly ventilated spaces and the importance of regular safety checks. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when using hot springs and other facilities that may pose a risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
