What is the ruling on breaking the fast out of fear, and does it interrupt the continuity of the sequence?

Primary text

The ruling held by Al-Qadi is that one who breaks the fast out of fear does not invalidate the fast. If this is accepted, there are two views on whether it severs continuity: one view holds it does not sever it, as it is considered a permissible reason for breaking the fast, analogous to sickness. The opposing view is that the continuity is severed. This latter view is the established position of Al-Shafi'i, as the breaking occurred due to an action stemming from a rare excuse.