At least four people have been killed after a suspected gas explosion in Taiwan. The incident occurred on Thursday in a department store in Taichung city.
As per the Taiwanese Fire Department, the death toll stands at four with at least 26 others injured and hospitalised.
At least four people have been killed after a suspected gas explosion in Taiwan. The incident occurred on Thursday in a department store in Taichung city.
As per the Taiwanese Fire Department, the death toll has now increased to four people, with at least 26 others injured and hospitalised.
Based on an AP report, some of the victims have been identified as tourists visiting from Macau. Among the family of seven, two people have been killed and a third is severely injured.
Rescue operations are underway and a probe has been launched to determine the cause of the blast, which as of now, as been suspected to be a gas explosion.
Speaking to reporters, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen said she felt the shock from the blast at her office nearby.
She added that the fire bureau would focus on a rescue operation first, but an investigation was also underway and officers were checking whether there are other sources of danger.
Dozens of firefighters were deployed to the scene at about 11:30 a.m. Parts of the building's exterior were damaged and scattered fragments were strewn on the streets.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has also asked all relevant government agencies to investigate the cause of the accident.
Local reports have stated, quoting the fire department, that the blast occurred on the 12th floor of the building, where construction was taking place.
(With agency inputs)