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 City on the morning of February 13, 2025, resulting in 4 deaths and 31 injuries of varying severity. The accident took place on the 12th floor of the department store, in the food court area, where construction work was underway. Initial suspicions point to workers accidentally cutting a gas pipeline, which triggered the explosion. The blast was powerful, causing the building’s exterior walls to crack and damaging ceilings and walls across multiple floors, leaving the scene in a state of devastation.

The Taichung City Fire Department initially identified the incident as a gas explosion, but there were no obvious signs of fire or burning at the scene. The exact cause still requires further investigation. The Taichung City Government stated that Shin Kong Mitsukoshi had not applied for a construction permit, violating building regulations, and would be fined up to NT$300,000, with an indefinite suspension of operations. Additionally, due to violations of fire safety and occupational safety laws, the total fines amounted to NT$1.2 million. Police have questioned 20 individuals, including construction workers, Hsin Chung Natural Gas Company personnel, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi staff, with 12 of them being transferred to the district prosecutor’s office for further interrogation.

Among the four fatalities were two building management personnel and a couple from Macau surnamed Deng. The Deng family of seven was visiting Taiwan for tourism when they were struck by falling construction materials while passing through the first floor of the department store, resulting in 2 deaths and 5 injuries. Among the injured, a 2-year-old girl suffered severe head trauma and was intubated after being rushed to the hospital, with her condition being critical.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi General Manager Wu Hsin-yang stated that the company would take full responsibility and provide NT$1 million in condolence payments to each of the deceased’s families. Hsin Chung Natural Gas Company issued a statement clarifying that there were no natural gas pipeline projects on the affected floor, and no gas leaks were detected during inspections, suggesting that the accident was unrelated to natural gas.

Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced that the city government had initiated public safety inspections and requested Shin Kong Mitsukoshi to establish a service window to assist the injured and their families in handling follow-up matters.