TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — A gas explosion rocked the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store (台中新光三越百貨) in Taichung (台中) on Thursday (Feb. 13), leaving multiple casualties. The Urban Development Bureau Taichung City (台中市都發局) stated that the city government did not receive a construction application from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion occurred during renovation at the 12th-floor food court. The explosion's force caused significant damage to the building, damaging the 12th-floor exterior wall, elevators, and interior decoration. The full extent of the losses remains uncertain. The Urban Development Bureau emphasized the need for a comprehensive inspection of the building's structural safety before discussing further steps.
Fire department officials initially attributed the cause to food court renovations. The city government is considering penalties for the business operators. Chiu I-chuan (邱怡川), Director of the Taichung City Labor Inspection Office (台中市勞動檢查處), mentioned that if violations of Occupational Safety and Health Act are found, fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000 could be imposed.