TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan on Thursday resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 26 others injured, according to fire authorities.
The incident took place in the food court located on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, as reported by the Taichung Fire Bureau.
The explosion caused significant damage to the upper levels of the upscale establishment, sending debris onto the pedestrians below.
Among the deceased were two visitors from Macau, as confirmed by Macao's Tourism Office on Thursday. Local media indicated that they were part of a family of seven who were visiting for tourism purposes. The remaining five family members sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals in Taichung.
While part of the store was undergoing renovations, it remains uncertain whether this work was related to the explosion, stated Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin during a press briefing at the site. “If it's found there were illegal actions or parts that violated renovation regulations, it will be dealt with appropriately," Cheng remarked.
Dozens of firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. The explosion caused damage to parts of the building's exterior, with debris scattered across the streets.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen informed reporters on-site that she experienced the tremor from her nearby office. She indicated that the fire bureau would prioritize rescue efforts, while an investigation was simultaneously being conducted to assess any additional hazards.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te stated that he had instructed all pertinent government agencies to look into the cause of the incident.
