Overview

• The explosion occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung City at around 11:30 a.m. local time, primarily affecting the 12th floor where construction was underway.
• Five people have been confirmed dead, including two tourists from Macau, and 26 others were injured, with some in critical condition.
• The blast caused significant structural damage from the ninth floor upwards, with debris scattered across nearby streets, prompting the evacuation of 235 people.
• Local authorities suspect a gas leak as the potential cause, possibly linked to renovation work, but the investigation is still ongoing.
• Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen have called for a thorough investigation and urged the public to avoid the area during ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.