Premier visits fire-damaged Zhinan Temple in Taipei
Taiwan's government has promised to help rebuild a landmark Taipei temple after a fire gutted its main hall, a costly loss for the city's religious and tourism life but with no injuries.
- Fire destroyed the Lingxiao Hall at Zhinan Temple in Taipei's Wenshan District on Tuesday, and crews needed more than three hours to bring it under control.
- Premier Cho Jung-tai toured the site and said the central and city governments will work out both the repair methods and the money needed.
- The temple is a major place of worship for Taipei residents and a regular stop for family trips, school outings, and festivals, so the damage hits local tourism too.
- No one was hurt, and the flames were fully out early the next morning.
Outlook: Expect talks between the national government and Taipei City on funding and restoration techniques, with officials pushing for a fast rebuild.