Gas explosion at Taiwan department store kills at least four

Taipei: A gas explosion at a department store in central Taichung City in Taiwan on Thursday claimed at least four lives, fire authorities said.

At least 24 other individuals were injured in the incident, according to the National Fire Agency (NFA).

The agency said the gas explosion occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which was under temporary closure for construction. The cause remains under investigation.

The explosion was captured by several vehicle dashcams, showing a significant amount of bricks and building materials being hurled from the upper floors.

The accident also impacted other operational floors. Several workers, staff members, and visitors were sent to various hospitals for treatment.

Local media photos and videos showed the devastating aftermath of the gas explosion inside the department store. Shattered marble walls were scattered across the floor, and the ceiling was completely twisted and collapsed.