An overnight fire and explosion in Tainan hurt more than a dozen people and wrecked homes, and troops are now on the ground helping residents clean up.

• The blast started with a fire on an empty lot in Tainan's Annan District early Friday and spread to nearby houses and parked cars.
• Fifteen people were hurt and eleven homes were damaged or burned, with another 57 households affected around the site.
• President Lai Ching-te ordered full government support for the cleanup and recovery.
• The military's Fourth Operational Area sent 30 troops, including chemical corps and military police, to clear wrecked furniture and debris.
• Broken glass is everywhere at the site, so soldiers are working in gloves and protective gear.

Outlook: Cleanup will continue over the coming days while investigators work out what caused the blast.