DHAKA: More than 500 people have been injured in a fire and explosion at an amusement park outside Taiwan's capital Taipei.

Saturday's incident happened on the main stage of the Formosa Water Park. A flammable powder is believed to have exploded as it spread into the crowd.

Footage showed people panicking and screaming, and rescuers carrying the wounded on stretchers.

More than 180 people have serious injuries. Some of them breathed in the powder, causing respiratory problems.

The cause of the incident is still being investigated.

According to BBC reports, officials believe the fire caused the coloured powder spray used to create a party atmosphere to explode.

The incident occurred about 20:30 (12:30 GMT). More than 1,000 people were near the stage at the time.

The fire department said: "Our initial understanding is this explosion and fire... was caused by the powder spray. It could have been due to the heat of the lights on the stage".

The fire was quickly brought under control.

BDST: 1009 HRS, JUN 28, 2015
RS