MORE than 400 people were being treated in hospital in Taiwan yesterday after being badly burnt by a blaze at a gig on Saturday night.

Firefighters said that the fire at Formosa Water Park in Taipei started when a coloured theatrical powder — thrown from the stage in front of 1,000 people, covering the floor — ignited along the ground, burning spectators’ legs and lower bodies.

City health officials said that 519 people were hurt, with 419 still in hospital yesterday afternoon. Half of those being cared for were seriously injured, with 184 in intensive care.

Police were questioning two park workers who had launched the powder, as well as the party’s on-site organiser and two technicians.

They could be charged with professional negligence causing serious injuries and endangering the public, the country’s public news agency said.