A fire and subsequent explosions at a golf ball factory in southern Taiwan have killed at least six people and injured more than 100 others, authorities say.

The fire began on Friday night at the factory in Pingtung county and raged overnight.

Authorities said rescuers were still looking for three people who remained unaccounted for.

Taiwan’s fire department said four of its members were among the dead. 

More than 100 people were taken to hospital with injuries.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, Chou Chun-mi, magistrate of Pingtung county, said in a Facebook post.

“Facing the grief of the family members, I could not say anything except to bow deeply, apologise, and express my deepest condolences,” she said in the post after visiting a funeral home and meeting with victims’ families.

Authorities said natural gas might have contributed to the explosions, which occurred as firefighters were attempting to put out the fire.

ABC/wires