TAIPEI - An intense fire broke out at a chemical plant in the city of Hsinchu in the northwest Taiwan region at around 11 am Friday, with unknown casualties, local media reported.

The local fire department has rushed to the rescue. The company is suspected of storing chemicals such as toluene and isopropanol on its premises, according to reports.

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It remains unclear whether anyone is trapped, and the exact cause of the fire and the extent of injuries are still under investigation.