Gas Explosion at Taiwan Food Court Kills Four, Injures 26

A gas explosion at a department store in Taichung, Taiwan, on Thursday killed four people and injured 26 others, local fire authorities confirmed.

The blast occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, according to the Taichung Fire Bureau. Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, the region’s Tourism Office confirmed. Local media reported that the victims were part of a seven-member family visiting Taiwan, with the remaining five sustaining injuries and currently receiving treatment in Taichung hospitals.

The explosion, which took place around 11:30 a.m., caused significant damage to the building’s exterior, scattering debris onto nearby streets. Dozens of firefighters were deployed to the scene to contain the situation.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that she felt the impact from her nearby office. She assured that while rescue operations remain the priority, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and assess potential risks.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has directed all relevant government agencies to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.