TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — A suspected gas explosion shook the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越) department store in Taichung's Xitun District (西屯區) on Thursday (Feb. 13). As of 12:53 p.m., Cheng Ching Hospital Zhonggang Branch (中港澄清醫院) reported 7 injuries and 3 fatalities. Mayor have
The blast, which occurred during renovations on the 11th and 12th floors, shattered glass windows and doors on the first and second floors, and the sound reached buildings two kilometers away. The sources indicated two people were stuck in the elevator, but authorities have yet to confirm this.
The Taichung City Fire Bureau dispatched personnel to the scene after receiving a report at 11:33 a.m. The explosion left a woman without vital signs. The department store evacuated customers while authorities imposed traffic controls on nearby roads, including Taiwan Boulevard (台灣大道), to facilitate rescue operations.
Police secured the area, blocking access to Shizheng North 7th Road and Huilai Road to ensure public safety. The Taichung City Fire Bureau, led by Sixth Corprs (第六大隊) Commander Tsai Meng-hsu (蔡孟栩), deployed 27 fire trucks and 62 firefighters from 16 units, including the Sixth Battalion and Liming Branch (黎明分隊). Reports indicate four individuals were blown out from the 12th floor, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.
