Stacy
TAICHUNG, Taiwan, Feb 13:
A suspected gas explosion at a department store in Taichung, Taiwan, on Thursday has resulted in at least four fatalities and 26 injuries, including tourists from Macau. The explosion occurred on the 12th floor of the Taichung Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, where construction work was ongoing. Fire department officials confirmed that the blast caused significant damage from the ninth floor upwards.
Among the injured, five were identified as tourists from Macau. Two of these tourists were reported dead, and one remains in intensive care. The health ministry stated that the condition of the injured individual is critical. The department store’s food court, located on the 12th floor, was closed due to the ongoing construction work, potentially preventing further casualties.
The blast has prompted Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te to call for an expedited investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Firefighters and emergency personnel have been working to secure the building and assist the victims. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, and authorities have assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, the incident has raised concerns about safety standards in buildings undergoing construction and renovation. Writing on his Facebook page, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called for a speedy investigation into the cause of the blast.
Keep Reading Questiqa.com and Questiqa.us for more updates.
Kathy
Olivia
