TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Authorities responded swiftly after construction workers reported a strong gas odor at the Taichung Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store (台中新光三越) on Tuesday (Feb. 25). Fire and police personnel arrived at the scene, where they detected an odor but determined it likely originated from an underground sewer, not gas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The department store experienced a severe gas explosion on Feb. 13 at around 11 a.m., resulting in four fatalities and 37 injuries. The explosion at the Zhonggang branch (中港店) of the department store produced a loud blast and thick smoke, reportedly originating from a restaurant on the 12th floor. Injured individuals have mostly been discharged after treatment.
The Taichung City Fire Bureau (台中市消防局) indicated that the gas odor was initially reported near a streetlight, where firefighters conducted tests but found no gas levels. Workers in the building's rear corner also noticed the smell, which experts from Shin Chung Natural Gas (欣中氣體) are currently addressing.
The building remains closed, with fencing erected around the perimeter. Authorities are conducting thorough safety assessments of both the external and internal structures before allowing employees to retrieve belongings.