Taichung, Taiwan – A devastating gas explosion occurred at a department store in Taichung, central Taiwan, on February 13, 2025, claiming the lives of at least five people and injuring seven others.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen expressed her shock at the incident, stating that she felt the tremors while working at the city government building next door.

The fire department swiftly responded to the scene, deploying 27 fire trucks and 62 personnel to extinguish the fire and conduct rescue operations.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion occurred during the dismantling of interior decorations on the 12th floor of the department store. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The explosion caused damage to the exterior of the department store and scattered debris on the surrounding roads, causing inconvenience to traffic.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and authorities are working diligently to provide support to the victims and their families.