TAIPEI (TVBS News)—The Taichung city government is working to mitigate damages and plans to fine the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越) department store NT$1.2 million after a gas explosion occurred on Thursday (Feb. 13).
Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced the indefinite closure of the store until officials complete the investigation.
The NT$1.2 million fines include those imposed by the Urban Development Bureau of Taichung City Government (台中市都市發展局), which stated a maximum fine of NT$300,000 is possible for violating the "Building Act" (建築法), and the Taichung City Fire Bureau (台中市消防局), which plans to levy fines up to NT$300,000 for each violation of Article 6 and Article 13 of the "Fire Services Act" (消防法), totaling NT$600,000.
In addition, the Labor Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government (台中市勞工局) indicated that if the construction contractor violated the "Occupational Safety and Health Act" (職業安全衛生法), they could face a fine of up to NT$300,000.
Additionally, the Labor Affairs Bureau stated that they will also assist the families of the deceased workers in applying for NT$100,000 from the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) for condolence payments for occupational accident fatalities (職災死亡慰問金).
