Today’s E-paper
Home > News > World News > Photos > IN PHOTOS: Gas explosion at Taiwan food court kills four and injures eight

IN PHOTOS: Gas explosion at Taiwan food court kills four and injures eight

A gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, Taiwan, on Thursday resulted in four fatalities and left eight others hospitalised, according to fire authorities. The blast occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the shopping complex, causing significant structural damage and shattering parts of the building’s exterior. (PIC/AFP) 

Updated On: 2025-02-13 01:21 PM IST

Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava

(PIC/AFP) 
(PIC/AFP) 
Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, while a third visitor sustained severe injuries, as confirmed by Macau’s Tourism Office. Local media reported that the affected Macau nationals were part of a seven-member family on a tourism visit to Taiwan.
Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, while a third visitor sustained severe injuries, as confirmed by Macau’s Tourism Office. Local media reported that the affected Macau nationals were part of a seven-member family on a tourism visit to Taiwan.
The explosion took place at approximately 11:30 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of dozens of firefighters to the scene to contain the situation. Streets surrounding the department store were littered with debris and shattered glass, with emergency responders working to clear the area and assess further risks.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that she personally felt the shock from her office nearby and assured that the primary focus was on rescue operations while an investigation was initiated. Firefighters and safety inspectors are assessing whether additional hazards remain within the building to prevent further incidents.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has directed all relevant government agencies to launch a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the explosion. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a gas leak or another underlying issue was responsible for the deadly blast.

The incident has raised concerns over safety regulations in public commercial spaces, with officials vowing to conduct rigorous inspections in the coming days.

taiwan Accident world news International news news
Next Gallery

In Photos: Flights resume in limited capacity at Heathrow Airport after shutdown due to power outage
Related Photos

In Photos: Flights resume in limited capacity at Heathrow Airport after shutdown due to power outage

In Photos: Turkey's opposition urges peaceful protests over Istanbul mayor's arrest despite bans

In Photos: Russian drones strike Ukrainian city of Odesa

In Photos: London's Heathrow Airport closed for day after substation fire, disrupting travel