The explosion is on the 12th floor of the department store in the town of Taichung, injuring at least seven, such as an effort to search and rescue.
One person was killed and four others remained “without vital signs” after the explosion hit the department store in the second largest city in Taiwan, the authorities said.
Seven more people were injured in an explosion in the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, about 160 km southwest of Taipei’s capital, the National Fire Agency said on Thursday.
The local fire department sent 56 vehicles and 136 people to perform an effort to search and rescue, the Agency said, adding that it was believed that the area was closed for construction work during the incident.
The video posted by Taiwanese television presenter Taiwan showed the moment of the explosion, and the lining and other debris flew out of the building and dust from the inside. Photos from the scene showed scattered fragments widespread on the streets.
“I worked in the city administration building around 11:30 in the morning and because it was right next to the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, I felt a vibration,” said Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen reporters.
“The explosion is very serious and the rescue is ongoing.”
It is not yet known what caused the explosion.
“The cause is subject to an investigation and we invite the public to avoid going to the site of a disaster,” said the National Fire Agency.
Lu said the explosion affected the wide area, and at least one passerby was among the victims.
“There are many office buildings and homes in this area and we ask everyone to work with the limitations of your security,” he said.
🚨 Taichung news breaks: suspicious gas explosion in the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store leaves 7 injured and 5 dead. Rescue efforts in progress while the authorities secure the area. Be sure, everyone! 🙏 #Taichung #SAFERYFIRST pic.twitter.com/fivnrgfjdi
– TVBs World Taiwan (@tvbsworldtaiwan) February 13, 2025
