Deadly Gas Explosion In Taiwan Claims At Least Five Lives

A suspected gas explosion inside a shopping mall in Taichung, Taiwan, on February 13 has killed at least five people, with many more injured, according to local authorities.

The blast occurred on the 12th floor of the building, where a food court was reportedly under construction. According to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, at least five people have died in the explosion, with another 20 injured. Around 235 people were evacuated from the building and the surrounding area.

Multiple citizens captured the explosion on camera, and the videos showed glass, panels, and debris violently blown out from the midrise building with a loud bang. A netizen who was inside the mall, just a floor beneath where the explosion took place, posted videos showing the people inside evacuating urgently through the smoke-filled building with damaged walls and broken water pipes.

 

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Firefighters who entered the building after the blast found the entire floor reduced to rubble.

Rescue operations are still ongoing, with more than 130 firefighters at the scene. According to government officials, several government agencies were activated to respond quickly, including the health ministry, which sent medical resources to the injured victims.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching Te has called for a speedy investigation into the cause of the blast.