A suspected gas explosion on the 12th floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi
department store in Taichung has left four people dead and 20 injured.

The Taichung Prosecutors Office has sent 6 prosecutors to the venue and
started investigations into the cause of the explosion together with firemen
and police officers.

Police say search and rescue efforts are ongoing and the exact number of
casualties won't be known until later.

There are traffic restrictions surrounding the department store right now
with officials telling the public not to approach the store on the Taiwan
Boulevard.

The fatal accident happened at 11:30 AM today, and witnesses reported
experiencing a loud sound and a strong jolt, while footage from inside the
12th floor shows complete destruction, with walls torn open and the ceiling
collapsed.

Footage from a dash cam also caught the blast, showing how the windows and
walls exploded off of the building and fell to the street below.

Officials say there was ongoing construction work and restaurants on the 12th
floor, but further investigations are needed to see their connection to the
accident.

The Health Ministry says it has activated the Mass Casualty Response
Mechanism as well.

(JL)