A devastating gas explosion ripped through a food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, Taiwan, resulting in four fatalities and 26 injuries. The upscale department store suffered significant damage, with debris raining down on pedestrians below. Two of the deceased were visitors from Macau, part of a family of seven who were in Taiwan for tourism. The remaining five family members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. While a portion of the store was undergoing renovations, it remains unclear whether the construction work played a role in the explosion. Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin stated that any illegal actions or violations of renovation regulations will be addressed accordingly. Around 11:30 a.m., dozens of firefighters rushed to the scene, where they encountered extensive damage to the building's exterior and debris scattered across the streets. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who felt the shockwave from her nearby office, confirmed that a rescue operation is the primary focus, while an investigation into the cause of the explosion is also underway. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has requested a thorough investigation by all relevant government agencies to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
Image from TVBS shows the damaged facade of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store after the explosion. (TVBS via AP)
