Taichung mall ordered to suspend operations following fatal blast that left four dead, 30 injured
A gas explosion at Taichung’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store on 13 February left four dead and 30 injured. The blast occurred in the food court on the 12th floor, where renovation work was ongoing. Authorities are investigating the cause, while the store remains closed pending safety inspections.
TAIWAN: A gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung on Thursday (13 February) morning has resulted in four deaths and left 30 others injured, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).
The explosion occurred in the food court on the 12th floor, where renovation work was taking place.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the ongoing renovation contributed to the explosion, according to local media.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced that operations at the department store have been suspended and will only resume following a thorough safety inspection.
An emergency response centre has been set up to coordinate rescue and investigation efforts, with personnel from various departments, including the Fire Bureau and Police Department.
The NFA has deployed an emergency response team, led by Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang, to assist in rescue operations.
The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has also dispatched personnel to investigate the cause of the explosion.
Taichung Fire Bureau Chief Sun Fu-you confirmed that investigators have entered the site and determined the explosion occurred in the food court.
Preliminary findings indicate no explosives or combustible dust were present, and no fire safety equipment was installed in the affected area.
Sun noted that the explosion was likely caused by gas, though the exact source is still under investigation.
According to prosecutors, workers at the site reported adjusting sales counters on both the 11th and 12th floors.
The explosion originated on the 12th floor, where counter dismantling was in progress. Some workers reported smelling gas before the blast.
The fire bureau also clarified initial reports regarding the location of the deceased.
Two victims were found on the 11th and 12th floors, while the other two were discovered on the first-floor sidewalk. Authorities refuted claims that anyone had fallen from the 12th floor.
In response to the incident, police imposed traffic controls around the department store in Situn District to facilitate rescue operations and assist the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Lu urged the public to comply with traffic restrictions for safety reasons. The city government has also pledged assistance to the victims and their families.
Following safety violations found at the site, authorities have announced penalties against the department store.
The city government will issue a fine of NT$600,000 (US$18,283) under the Fire Services Act, up to NT$300,000 for failing to apply for a work permit under the Building Act, and an additional NT$300,000 for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The explosion resulted in casualties beyond Taiwan, as reports indicate that some victims were from Macau.
The Mainland Affairs Council has pledged to assist in offering condolences and support to affected families.
Further investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. Authorities have stated that the department store will not be allowed to resume operations until all safety concerns have been addressed.
