Taiwan’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung Zhonggang store experienced a gas explosion on the 12th floor this morning (13th). According to the Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office, the incident has resulted in 4 deaths and 20 individuals being sent to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
The Taichung city government issued a statement about the gas explosion at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store in Taichung. Surrounding roads have been subjected to traffic control measures. Sections of Taiwan Boulevard (west to east direction), Huilai Road Section 2 (south to north direction), Municipal North 7th Road (east to west direction), and Huizhong Road Section 1 (south to north direction) have all been designated as controlled areas. It has been urged that all pedestrians and vehicles avoid this area to facilitate smooth rescue operations.
The Taiwan Ministry of Interior’s Fire Department has stated that they have activated an emergency response team, led by Director-General Xiao Huanzhang, in close coordination with the Taichung City Fire Department to provide assistance. The Taichung City Fire Department dispatched ambulances to the scene upon receiving the report, and the police were also present to manage the evacuation of building occupants and traffic flow.
During a media interview at the scene, Sun Fuyou, the Chief of the Taichung City Fire Department, mentioned that further investigation is needed to determine if the gas explosion was caused by construction activities on the 12th floor. Currently, the focus is on search and rescue efforts.
The Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement stating that a significant accident resulting in casualties occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store in Xitun District, Taichung City, around noon on the 13th. Chief Prosecutor Zhang Jiechen assigned Chief Prosecutor Zheng Baolin and five prosecutors to form a special task force. They were joined by Prosecutors Li Chengyan and Wu Qiunong, who rushed to the scene to understand the situation, coordinate with judicial police and fire units, collect evidence, and clarify the cause and responsibility of the gas explosion incident.
As of now, the incident has tragically claimed 4 lives and left 20 individuals injured, with the exact number to be confirmed once the site is cleared due to severe damage. The Taiwan Taiwan Central Taiwan chapter of the Crime Victims Protection Association immediately activated a care mechanism to support the families of the victims and provide necessary assistance. The District Prosecutor’s Office is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with the Taichung City Police Department’s Sixth Division for prompt investigations.
Taichung Mayor Lu Xiuyan posted on Facebook, “We are putting all efforts into disaster relief. Please give rescue workers more space to do their work. Earlier, there was a gas explosion incident at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store in Taichung Zhonggang. We have implemented traffic controls on surrounding roads, and urge everyone to avoid the area to facilitate smooth rescue operations.”