TSMC's Fab 22 P4 construction project at the Nanzih Park in Kaohsiung saw a major accident on the afternoon of October 20, killing 4 workers. Authorities have ordered the site to halt work.
The accident occurred around 4:53 p.m. when a crane was installing steel structures; a bolt fracture caused 4 subcontractor workers and steel components to fall from height. The Kaohsiung Fire Department dispatched 10 vehicles and 22 personnel. Rescuers found 4 male workers fallen; 3 had no heartbeat or breathing before arrival, and 1 was conscious with multiple injuries. The four were sent to Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung Naval General Hospital, and Jianren Hospital.
On the night of October 20, the 3 workers without heartbeat were pronounced dead despite rescue efforts. The only conscious worker, a 37-year-old surnamed Huang, was transferred to the ICU and died on the morning of October 21, bringing the death toll to 4. Per Straits Herald, the victims were 34-year-old Yang, 33-year-old Huang, 34-year-old Zhou, and 37-year-old Huang, all workers of contractor Shanghao Machinery.
A preliminary Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau investigation shows the 4 workers were installing outer steel structures on the third floor of the P4 site when a bolt on a steel connection plate suddenly broke, causing them to lose support and fall with the components. The exact cause of the bolt fracture is still under investigation.
The bureau said labor inspectors arrived immediately, launched family assistance and condolences, and ordered the site to stop work and preserve the scene. It will order work stoppages and impose fines on relevant businesses and employers for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
TSMC said in a statement on the night of October 20 that site rescue personnel provided first aid immediately and notified authorities. TSMC said the site falls under contracted delivery, the project has voluntarily halted work, its safety team is cooperating with the investigation, and it will urge and assist subcontractors with follow-up matters.
The bureau has not yet announced fine amounts or final investigation conclusions. Fab 22 is a key 2nm advanced process base at TSMC's Kaohsiung Nanzih Park; the P4 restart timeline will depend on investigation results and safety rectification.
ICgoodFind Summary: A steel structure fall at TSMC's Kaohsiung 2nm base killed 4 workers, and the site has been ordered to halt. The tension between advanced-node expansion pace and construction safety has surfaced again; the P4 restart depends on investigation and rectification results.
