Inside creepy water park left abandoned after bone-chilling tragedy struck festival with locals still haunted by screams

IN under a minute, 15 would be killed and more than 500 injured as flames engulfed a family favourite theme park.

Now all that remains of Formosa Water Park in Taiwan are the burned-out shells of slides and pools that were once a memory-making haven.

Aerial view of an abandoned water park overgrown with vegetation.
Formosa water park has been abandoned for yearsCredit: Dax Ward
Frame grab showing people engulfed in flames at a water park.
The fire engulfed the park in secondsCredit: AFP
Injured people lying on the ground after a fire at a water park.
Injured victims put on inflatables at the sceneCredit: Reuters
Abandoned water park with slides and play structures.
The burnt remains of slides at the parkCredit: Dax Ward
Overgrown water slides at an abandoned water park.
The structures have become overrun by treesCredit: Dax Ward

Nestled just outside the capital Taipei, hundreds of young people flocked to the park for a party dubbed Color Play Asia on June 27, 2015.

But as they danced on a stage and in a drained pool, organisers suddenly deployed coloured cornstarch powder.

The green and yellow powder quickly ignited and engulfed the crowded festival in a fireball in seconds.

Terrified partygoers screamed in panic and tried to flee the roaring flames while desperately trying to not breathe in the powdery fumes.

In just 40 seconds, 15 people were killed and 508 revellers – mostly in their teens and 20s – were burned. At least 199 were left in critical conditions.

Hundreds of youngsters were scolded by the flames and inflatable water toys were quickly used as would-be stretchers to help victims.

Temperatures had soared to over 36C that day – meaning many partygoers were lightly clad.

As a result, dozens suffered burns to 80 to 90 per cent of their skin.

Authorities ordered an immediate shutdown of the park amid an investigation.

In the aftermath of the deadly inferno, two survivors took their own lives.

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Investigators spent months probing what ignited the powder, and whether it could have been a cigarette or spark.

They determined the powder had come into contact with intensely hot stage lighting, which set on fire.

Almost a year on, the organiser of the party was found guilty of negligence.

Lu Chung-chi was jailed for four years and ten months in April 2016.

Prosecutors said Lu had failed to take proper precautions to prevent this and had not made sure technicians spraying the powder were sufficiently trained.

Aftermath of a fire at a water park concert stage.
Police investigators inspect the stage area after the fireCredit: AP:Associated Press
Overgrown abandoned water park with slides and a pool.
Authorities closed the park in Taiwan after the incidentCredit: Dax Ward
Abandoned water park with play structures.
The only visitors now are explorersCredit: Dax Ward
Map showing location of Formosa Fun Coast waterpark in New Taipei City, Taiwan, where a fire killed 15 people.

Now almost a decade on, the park remains abandoned with its brightly coloured slides that once held precious memories now little more than a reminder of a tragic past.

A series of photos taken by Dax Ward reveal the crumbling remains of the site.

The ground remains blackened, with slides charred and overrun with plants.

Photographer Dax told The Sun: “Exploring its remnants, I attempted to capture its poignant tale through my lens.

“The experience proved eerie, reflective, yet undeniably compelling.

“As I walked away from the desolate grounds, I couldn’t shake the weight of what had transpired within those once vibrant walls.

“Though its days of laughter may be gone, the memory of those lost serves as a solemn reminder to cherish each moment and to never underestimate the fragility of life.”

Formosa Water Park water tower.
The abandoned lifeguard chairCredit: Dax Ward
Overgrown abandoned water park.
The park closed down after a deadly fireCredit: Dax Ward
Four dinosaur statues at an overgrown water park.
Dinosaur structures left at the parkCredit: Dax Ward
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