A hospital fire killed at least nine in southern Taiwan on Thursday, October 3.

Authorities reported that the blaze began in Pingtung County around 7:40 am and was extinguished shortly after 1 pm.

Local media indicated that eight victims were confirmed dead after being taken away for treatment, with another fatality discovered at the scene.

Soldiers from a nearby base were called in to assist medical personnel and firefighters with patient evacuations and putting out the flames.

Officials stated that 176 patients were evacuated to the entrance, where they were transferred to ambulances or tarps for protection from the heavy rain.

Footage captured the scene as authorities responded amid the downpour, coinciding with Typhoon Krathon making landfall in the southern part of the island.

The local government said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the incident, and firefighters continued their search and rescue operations.

Krathon made landfall in the major port city of Kaohsiung, packing winds of 126 kph (78 mph) with higher gusts, as reported by Taiwan's weather authorities.