Death toll in Taiwan earthquake rises to 115, 2 missing

Authorities detained the building's developer Lin Ming-hui and two architects this week on suspicion of negligent homicide.

Update: 2016-02-13 03:29 GMT
Rescue teams continue to use heavy excavation machinery to dig through the rubble of a collapsed building complex in Tainan. (Photo: AP)

Taipei: The number of deaths in a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan's oldest city of Tainan a week ago has risen to 115 with at least two missing.

In the latest update Saturday morning by Taiwan's Interior Ministry, all but two of the dead were pulled from the ruins of the collapsed Weiguan Golden Dragon residential complex, a 17-story building.

At least nine are believed to be missing and presumed trapped under the rubble.

Authorities detained the building's developer Lin Ming-hui and two architects this week on suspicion of negligent homicide amid accusations his firm cut corners in the construction.

Tainan city officials say they will inspect several dozen other developments built by Lin, as well as other buildings in the Weiguan compound that did not collapse.

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