A powerful explosion at a major department store in Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, has claimed four lives and left 24 people injured, according to official reports.
The National Fire Agency reported that the blast occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, located approximately 160km southwest of Taipei. The affected area was reportedly under construction and closed to the public at the time of the incident.
Emergency response was substantial, with the local fire department deploying 56 vehicles and 136 personnel for search and rescue operations. Footage broadcast by TVBS Taiwan captured the moment of explosion, showing building cladding and debris propelled outward while clouds of dust erupted from the structure. Street-level photographs revealed debris scattered across surrounding areas.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who experienced the blast’s impact from the nearby city government building around 11:30am, described feeling vibrations from the explosion. “The explosion is very serious and the rescue is ongoing,” the mayor stated.
The cause of the explosion remains undetermined. The National Fire Agency has urged the public to avoid the affected area while investigations continue.
Mayor Lu emphasized the blast’s extensive impact radius, noting that at least one casualty was a pedestrian. “There are many office buildings and homes in this area and we ask everyone to cooperate with the restrictions for your safety,” he advised.
The straightforward account matches the original length while maintaining factual accuracy and avoiding speculation about the cause or broader implications of the incident.
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