Asia’s incredible abandoned water park that was destroyed in 40 seconds and left to rot | World | News
This impressive theme park was once one of the top days out for families in New Taipei, Taiwan, spanning an impressive 30 acres complete with a water park and a “Nature World”. It boasted the longest water slide in Southeast Asia, several swimming pools and other impressive equipment.
However, after a devastating fire in June 2015, the park was closed pending investigation and has never been reopened. As a result, 10 years on from the fateful accident, it has been left to rot and its eerie streets and rides have been reclaimed by nature. This is Formoa Fun Coast, which was recently explored by photographer Dax Ward, who shared his images with the Express.
Take a look inside the abandoned park in our gallery below.
Formoa Fun Coast, in Bali District, New Taipei, was built in 1989 and entertained families for 26 years before the fateful accident.
As one Tripadvisor reviewer put it: “This water park is not too big but has something for all ages and fear levels- a lazy river, 2 kids’ play areas, and lots of fun and exciting rides.
“The park is open until late (10pm on weekends) during summer so if it’s a hot day you can go at 5pm and get a discounted ticket [and] escape the heat, of course.”
(Image: Dax Ward)
It was separated into two parts, the Water Amusement Park, which contained a 400-metre water slide and five swimming pools, with water games available. From the top of the slide, guests could also appreciate the beauty of Guanyin Mountain.
Nature World, which opened in 2004, could serve over 500 people at one time, with a large area for guests to even hold barbecue parties or stay overnight in tents.
(Image: Dax Ward)
Then, on June 27, 2015, staff of an outdoor “colour powder party” – inspired by the Hindu festival “Holi” – sprayed clouds of corn starch towards the participants, which ignited. The fire lasted for only 40 seconds, but in that time it burned 508 people.
15 people were killed and 199 were left in a critical condition. A 20-year-old woman died two days after the incident as a result of injuries sustained from burns to more than 90% of her body.
(Image: Dax Ward)
Most of the injured were university-level students in their twenties and late teens who had travelled at the start of their summer holiday.
New Taipei City’s mayor, Eric Chu, ordered an immediate shutdown of the water park pending an investigation. The man responsible for the event, Lu Chung-chi, was also detained by police for investigation.
(Image: Dax Ward)
