Emergency response underway after Taichung department store explosion

A gas explosion occurred at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung in the central part of China's Taiwan region on Thursday. The Taichung City Fire Department stated that the incident was suspected to have been caused by renovation demolition work on the 12th floor. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, speaking to the media, confirmed that the 12th floor was undergoing renovation and demolition. However, whether this was the direct cause of the explosion remains under investigation, she said, adding that the city government is currently focused on emergency response efforts. Lu also noted that she felt a noticeable tremor while working in her office in the afternoon. Almost simultaneously, the Fire Department reported the gas explosion at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. She immediately ordered an all-out emergency response, emphasizing the severity of the incident.