A gas explosion at a department store in Taichung, Taiwan, killed four people and injured at least 26 on Thursday, sending debris raining down on the streets below. The blast, which occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, caused extensive damage to the building's upper floors, according to the Taichung Fire Bureau.
Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, whose deaths were confirmed by Macao's Tourism Office. Local media reported that they were part of a family of seven visiting Taiwan. The five other family members sustained injuries, including a two-year-old child with a severe head wound. They are currently receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who was working in a nearby city government building at the time, said she felt a strong vibration from the explosion. "The explosion is very serious, and the rescue is ongoing," Lu stated. The Taichung Fire Bureau mobilized 56 emergency vehicles, 136 personnel, a search-and-rescue dog, and a drone to assist in the operation.
Fire officials said more than 200 people were evacuated from the department store, and six individuals were rescued from elevators. Images from Taiwan's National Fire Agency showed extensive interior damage, with ceilings collapsed and debris covering multiple floors. Floors nine through 12 sustained the heaviest damage, the agency reported.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of the explosion as terrifying. "There was a vibration, and even my bed was shaking," said Liao Yu-fu, a 26-year-old resident who was awakened by the blast. "The sound lasted for a long time, and I was scared." Another witness, who was on the sixth floor of the store, told local broadcaster TVBS that she initially thought it was an earthquake. "There was a very loud vibration, and then debris started falling," she said. "When I walked down the stairs, there was broken glass on every floor at the elevator entrance."
Fire officials suspect the explosion was caused by a gas leak, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin said that part of the department store was undergoing renovations at the time, though it is unclear whether the construction work played a role in the incident. "If it's found there were illegal actions or parts that violated renovation regulations, it will be dealt with appropriately," Cheng said.
President Lai Ching-te has ordered a full investigation into the explosion. Emergency crews remain on-site, assessing structural stability and ensuring there are no further hazards.
