A gas explosion ripped through a busy department store in Taichung City in the Taiwan region on Thursday, killing five people and injuring 11 others, according to local authorities. The blast occurred during construction work in the building’s food section around 11:40 a.m., sending debris flying into nearby streets and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Videos circulating online showed thick smoke pouring from the structure as firefighters and 62 rescue personnel rushed to evacuate shoppers and workers. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing that safety protocols at the construction site will be scrutinized.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about urban safety standards in rapidly developing cities. “This is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by both workers and the public when infrastructure projects intersect with daily life,” said a local urban planning analyst, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing probe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
