TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Zhubei City, Hsinchu County experienced a series of gas explosions and fires caused by abnormal pressure levels in gas pipelines of several residential buildings on Saturday morning (June 24).

Around 8 a.m., the Hsinchu County Fire Department received 15 calls reporting gas leaks and 12 calls from people with fires in their homes, reported UDN. The gas leaks were reported in several areas north of Douzipu Creek, with some residents reportedly hearing caps suddenly burst off of pipes in their kitchen.

In a building on Zhongzheng East Road, a dozen people were trapped above the ninth floor due to smoke and fire blocking stairwells. However, the fire department was able to rescue everyone in danger and quickly put out the flames, with no casualties reported, per LTN.

Hsinchu Gas Company is working with investigators to determine why gas pressure was abnormally high in the area, which resulted in the leaks and fires. Officials are checking on other buildings and cautioning residents to be aware of possible gas leaks.

UPDATE (1:52 p.m.): A 16 year-old-boy caught in a gas explosion is being treated with first and second degree burns covering 90% of his body. The city has reportedly blocked off the roads between Lane 152 to Lane 278 off Zhongzheng East Road, as authorities assess damage and ensure the safety of gas lines in the area, per UDN.

UPDATE (8:25 p.m.): Apart from the teenager who was gravely injured, five other residents were treated for lighter injuries, according to CNA. The Hsinchu County Government said it would help the affected households apply for national compensation, while it would also review the safety of the damaged apartments.

A preliminary investigation led the authorities to believe that rising gas pressure originating from the local gas regulation station might have caused damage to the weak points in gas pipes at the affected apartments. The damage might have led to gas leaks inside the homes which resulted in the explosions, investigators said.