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Romantic stunt gone wrong leaves student big bill
This top-floor hotel in Hsinchu
was yesterday the scene of a fire drama.
More than 50 guests were evacuated to the 1st floor
as firefighters discovered the cause of the fire:
dozens of colored candles alight on the bed in a room.
"How can someone put lit candles on a bed?"
"They were put there on purpose."
University senior Chang Chi-yuan
planned to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.
Early yesterday morning he entered his rented room
and placed nearly 100 candles on the bed
spelling out 'Happy Birthday."
Then he went to fetch his girlfriend
to give her a big surprise.
But the candles set fire to the bed
and set off the fire alarm.
The hotel filled with smoke
and the guests were evacuated,
before firefighters extinguished the blaze.
The student was shocked as he returned
as the owner asked him for NT$1 million compensation
for the water damage to the decor and carpets.
The lovestruck student had no idea
that his romantic plan would end up so expensive.
[Reporter] "Was it your idea 'to light the candles?"
"Yes." "I'd like to apologize to everyone."
"I wanted to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday
so I lit the candles.
And planned to come back within 30 minutes
but then this [the fire] happened.
To the hotel boss, other residents
and people of Hsinchu I'd like to apologize."
"I made a mistake."
In spite of his apology
there is still the issue of compensation.
So he needs to ask his father to travel to
Hsinchu to negotiate with the hotel boss.
Apple Action News.