TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (台中市長盧秀燕) stated on Thursday (Feb. 13) that the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store was undergoing renovation. However, authorities have yet to confirm whether it was the cause of the explosion.
A gas explosion rocked the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung Zhonggang Store (新光三越台中中港店) in Xitun District (西屯區), resulting in multiple casualties. Mayor Lu arrived to assess the situation and directed emergency services to undertake full-scale rescue operations.
Mayor Lu reported feeling a significant tremor while working and almost simultaneously receiving a report from the Fire Bureau (消防局) about the explosion. She emphasized that firefighters had entered the site and conducted a floor-by-floor search to ensure no individuals remained trapped.
Meanwhile, the city government has activated a level-two disaster response center, with the Fire Bureau, Police Department (警察局), Urban Development Bureau (都市發展局), Economic Development Bureau (經濟發展局), Labor Affairs Bureau (勞工局), and Health Bureau (衛生局) all present to assist.
