On February 13, 2025, a gas explosion occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, central Taiwan. The blast resulted in the death of 4 man and left 8 others are still hospitalized, four of whom were reported to have no vital signs upon arrival at the hospital.
The explosion caused significant damage to the building’s exterior, scattering debris onto the streets below. Dozens of firefighters were promptly deployed to the scene to manage the situation. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who felt the blast at her nearby office, stated that the fire bureau would prioritize rescue operations and conduct a thorough investigation to identify any additional risks.
Initial reports suggest that the explosion was linked to a suspected gas leak during the replacement of a gas tank at the mall’s food court.
Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and to assess the structural integrity of the building.
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in public spaces, especially in areas like food courts where gas usage is prevalent. The Taichung City government has pledged to review and enhance safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
