A gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan on Thursday killed four people and injured 26, fire authorities said.
A tragic incident struck the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, with an explosion occurring at the food court on the 12th floor, as reported by the Taichung Fire Bureau. The explosion caused significant damage to the upper floors of the department store, leading to debris falling on pedestrians below.
Reports confirmed that among the casualties were two individuals from Macau, according to the Macao’s Tourism Office. These individuals, part of a family of seven on a tourism visit, lost their lives in the blast. The remaining five family members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in Taichung.
Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin mentioned that although a section of the store was undergoing renovation, it is uncertain whether the renovation work contributed to the explosion. Cheng addressed reporters at the scene, stating that any potential illegal activities or violations of renovation regulations would be appropriately addressed if discovered.
This image taken from video by Taiwan’s TVBS shows the damaged facade of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store after an explosion in Taichung city in Taiwan on Thursday, Feb 13, 2025. (TVBS via AP)
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.
