Taichung: Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced on Thursday that operations at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in the city have been suspended after a gas explosion resulted in four fatalities and injured 30 individuals. The explosion occurred on Thursday morning, prompting an immediate response from city authorities.

According to Focus Taiwan, the suspension will remain in place until the department store successfully passes a safety inspection. Mayor Lu made the announcement following an emergency response meeting and stated that traffic controls have been implemented by police around the department store in Situn District to aid rescue operations. The exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated by prosecutors.

Taichung Fire Bureau Chief Sun Fu-you reported that fire investigators have determined the explosion originated at the food court on the 12th floor of the department store, where renovation work was underway. Prosecutors were informed by on-site staff that adjustments were being made to sales counters on the 11th and 12th floors, with the explosion occurring on the 12th floor amid counter dismantling work. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was gas-related, with no signs of explosives or combustible dust and a lack of fire safety equipment at the scene.

In response to inquiries about casualties, Sun confirmed that two of the deceased were located on the 11th and 12th floors, while the other two were found on the first-floor sidewalk. He clarified that no individuals fell from the 12th floor.

The city government plans to impose fines on the department store for multiple violations, including NT$600,000 (US$18,283) for breaches of the Fire Services Act, up to NT$300,000 for failing to secure a work permit under the Building Act, and potentially NT$300,000 for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.