Gas explosion at Taiwan department store kills 5, injures 7
At about 11 a.m. today, an explosion ripped through the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Zhonggang Store, a well-known department store in Xitun District, Taichung, Taiwan, shattering glass windows and scattering debris. The bomb was so strong that it could be heard and felt up to two kilometers distant.
The explosion was caused by a suspected gas leak that occurred when a gas tank was being changed in the mall's food court.
According to the Taichung Fire Department, the explosion appeared to have begun on the building's 12th story. Rescue team confirmed the death of a man at the scene, while a woman with no signs of vital signs was rushed to the hospital. Multiple additional people were injured, and police have launched a significant casualty response process.
Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday reported that four people were thrown by the force of the explosion, although details about the victims’ conditions remain unclear. Local police and firefighters are still investigating to discover the actual cause of the tragedy.
Traffic control measures were put in place on a number of routes, including the slow lanes and sidewalks on Taiwan Boulevard Section 3 (westbound to eastbound), Huilai Road Section 2 (southbound to northbound), Shizheng North 7th Road (eastbound to westbound), and Huizhong Road Section 1. All motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to avoid certain areas to ensure that rescue efforts run effectively. The surrounding roads are also under traffic control, and the public is strongly advised not to approach the location.
