4 dead, 26 injured in explosion at upscale Taiwan department store

A tragic gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan has left four people dead and 26 others injured, according to fire authorities. The blast occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, causing the higher floors of the upscale establishment to be blown out, sending debris raining down on pedestrians below.

Among the deceased were two individuals visiting from Macau, as confirmed by Macao’s Tourism Office. Reports indicate that they were part of a family of seven on a tourism trip. The other five individuals who were injured in the explosion are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals in Taichung.

Authorities have revealed that part of the store was undergoing renovation at the time of the explosion, although it remains unclear if the renovation work was linked to the tragic incident. Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin mentioned to reporters at the scene that if any illegal actions or violations of renovation regulations are discovered, appropriate action will be taken.

Upon receiving reports of the explosion, dozens of firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. The exterior of the building sustained significant damage, with fragments scattered across the surrounding streets. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who felt the shock of the explosion at her nearby office, emphasized that the fire bureau’s priority was the rescue operation. Simultaneously, an investigation was initiated to identify any potential sources of danger.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has directed all relevant government agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the explosion.