TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) stated on Thursday (Feb. 13) that medical resources and rescue personnel have been deployed to respond to the Taichung department store explosion.
A gas explosion rocked the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store (新光三越百貨) in Taichung, leaving 4 dead and 20 injured, according to a TVBS News report at 3:56 p.m.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has directed the National Fire Agency (NFA, 消防署) to swiftly mobilize rescue teams, while the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) is actively coordinating medical resources, according to President Lai.
President Lai urged emergency responders to stay safe and called on authorities to quickly determine the cause of the incident. He also advised the public to stay away from the area to avoid disrupting rescue efforts and to protect their own safety.
