Deadly Gas Explosion at Taichung Department Store Claims Lives and Injures Dozens

2025-03-01

A severe gas explosion occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store in Taichung on the morning of 13th February 2025, resulting in 4 deaths and 30 injuries. According to the initial investigation by the fire department, the cause of the explosion was related to renovation and demolition work on the 12th floor. Workers on site had previously reported “smelling gas,” and it is preliminarily determined to be a gas explosion rather than dust combustion. After the explosion, the interior of the 12th floor was almost completely destroyed, with ceilings and windows shattered, pipelines scattered everywhere, and the scene resembling a ruin.

A 20-year-old woman surnamed Hong was shopping in the department store at the time, carrying luxury goods worth over NT$100,000. When the explosion occurred, she immediately dropped her purchases and fled down the emergency stairs in high heels, narrowly escaping harm. She recalled that the explosion was deafening, and the scene was chaotic, with elevators twisted, bricks and tiles scattered, and even some victims being blown away by the blast.

The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has formed a task force to investigate the case. Police questioned 12 construction workers overnight and transferred them to the prosecutors for further interrogation. The investigation may proceed in the direction of public endangerment and negligent homicide. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that the cause of the incident needs to be further investigated by the prosecutors, and the fire department has also emphasised that the possibility of dust combustion has been ruled out.

This gas explosion not only caused significant casualties but also raised public concerns about construction safety and gas pipeline management. Relevant authorities will continue to clarify responsibility for the accident and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

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