TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung City Government (台中市政府) announced Monday (Feb. 17) that it will fine five out of six inspected shopping centers for regulatory violations. Last Thursday, a gas explosion at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Zhonggang Store (新光三越中港店) killed four people and injured 39, prompting the city to conduct joint inspections of large department stores and hypermarkets.
The inspections revealed that only Phase II of Mitsui Outlet Park (三井購物中心) complied with regulations. In contrast, Top City (大遠百), Taroko Mall (大魯閣新時代), Chungyo Department Store (中友百貨), Showtime Live Taichung Wenxin Store (文心秀泰), and Phase I of Mitsui Outlet Park had deficiencies.
Director Li Cheng-wei (李正偉) of the Urban Development Bureau (都市發展局) emphasized that the inspections focused on gas equipment and restaurant fire safety zone among other areas. The Economic Development Bureau (經發局) identified gas leaks at Taroko Mall due to worn-out switches on gas pipelines and stoves.
Violations of the Building Act (建築法) will result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. The city plans to continue inspecting the remaining 23 large department stores and hypermarkets, aiming to complete them by Friday.