TAIPEI, Taiwan — A catastrophic gas explosion occurred at a Taichung city department store on Thursday, resulting in the loss of four lives and leaving 26 others injured, according to fire officials.
The explosion took place in the food court located on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, as reported by the Taichung Fire Bureau.
The force of the blast caused significant structural damage to the upper levels of the high-end store, sending debris crashing down onto the streets below.

Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, as confirmed by the local tourism office.
Reports indicate that they were part of a family consisting of seven individuals who were visiting Taiwan for leisure.
The five remaining family members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care in local hospitals in Taichung.

Parts of the department store were reportedly undergoing renovations, but officials have yet to determine if this work was linked to the explosion.
Taichung’s Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin addressed reporters at the scene, stating, “If it’s determined that there were illegal activities or violations related to renovation regulations, appropriate actions will be taken.”

Emergency responders rushed to the site shortly after the explosion, around 11:30 a.m., where they encountered considerable damage to the building’s exterior and debris scattered throughout the area.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen shared with the media that she felt the impact of the explosion from her office nearby.
She emphasized that the fire department would prioritize rescue efforts, while also conducting an investigation to identify any additional hazards present.

In the wake of the incident, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has directed all pertinent government agencies to investigate the circumstances that led to the explosion, highlighting the need for accountability and safety.