Tragic gas blast at Taiwanese mall’s food area claims 4 lives and hurts 26 people

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan on Thursday killed four people and injured 26, fire authorities said.

A devastating explosion rocked the food court situated on the 12th level of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, as confirmed by the Taichung Fire Bureau. The upper floors of the high-end store were severely damaged, with debris falling onto pedestrians below.

Tragically, among the casualties were two individuals who were visiting from Macau, a fact verified by Macao’s Tourism Office on Thursday. Reports from local media indicated that the deceased were part of a family of seven who were on a sightseeing trip. The remaining five members of the group sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals in Taichung.

While a section of the store was undergoing renovations, Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin informed reporters at the scene that it is uncertain whether the construction work was linked to the explosion. Cheng stated, “If investigations reveal any unlawful practices or violations of renovation protocols, appropriate actions will be taken.”

Dozens of firefighters were deployed to the scene at about 11:30 a.m. Parts of the building’s exterior were damaged and scattered fragments were strewn on the streets.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen told reporters at the scene that she felt the shock at her office nearby. She said the fire bureau would focus on a rescue operation first, but an investigation was also underway and officers were checking whether there were other sources of danger.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said he had asked all relevant government agencies to investigate the cause of the accident.