Deadly Gas Explosion Rocks Taichung Department Store

A suspected gas explosion at a department store in Taichung, Taiwan, resulted in four deaths and 26 injuries. The blast occurred during construction on the 12th floor and affected tourists from Macau. Authorities are investigating the cause while some injured receive intensive medical care.

A fatal gas explosion at a department store in Taichung, central Taiwan, has claimed the lives of at least four individuals and injured 26 others. Among the injured are tourists hailing from the gambling city of Macau, according to fire officials who responded to the emergency.

The explosion, which erupted on the 12th floor of the building undergoing construction work, inflicted damage on the structure from the ninth floor and above. Tragically, two of the deceased and five of the injured were visitors from Macau, as reported by the fire department.

Although the food court on the impacted 12th floor was closed due to ongoing construction, one injured individual is currently in intensive care, the health ministry has disclosed. President Lai Ching-te has publicly called for a swift and thorough investigation into the incident's cause.

(With inputs from agencies.)