Gas Explosion at Taiwan Mall Kills 5, Injures 26

The blast on the 12th floor of a Taichung department store caused extensive damage, and an investigation into its cause is ongoing.

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.