Gas Explosion in Taiwan Shopping Mall Claims Four Lives

TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan — A gas explosion at a busy shopping mall in Taichung City has reportedly resulted in four fatalities and injured 26 others, sparking an immediate disaster response from local authorities.

The explosion occurred on February 13, 2025, around 11:33 a.m. local time, at the food court of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store. According to the Taiwan National Fire Agency, the government promptly mobilized disaster response teams.

The Taichung Fire Bureau confirmed the casualties, stating that the deceased included two tourists from Macao. Among the injured, five were also identified as tourists from the same region.

Firefighters worked tirelessly on the scene, with over 130 personnel and more than 50 emergency vehicles dispatched. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, as confirmed by the National Fire Agency on their official Facebook page.

Lai Ching-te, a prominent Taiwanese politician, remarked that the Ministry of Health and Welfare was “actively coordinating medical resources to provide the best medical assistance to the injured,” expressing hope for their swift recovery.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, which is believed to have damaged the structure from the ninth floor upward. Reports indicate that construction work was ongoing on the 12th floor of the building, where the blast occurred.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen urged the public to grant rescue teams space to conduct their operations safely and announced that traffic control measures had been implemented surrounding the area. “All vehicles should avoid passing through the area to facilitate the smooth rescue operation,” she stated.

Witnesses at the scene described feeling the shock of the explosion. The mayor confirmed that an investigation would be thorough, as authorities checked for other potential hazards. Local news agencies continue to report on the unfolding situation, while the Taichung Fire Bureau remains in communication with other emergency services.

The incident reflects ongoing concerns regarding safety protocols in densely populated shopping venues, and local authorities are expected to reassess safety measures in light of this tragic event.