Taiwan, explosion on the twelfth floor of a shopping center causes 4 deaths and dozens injured: ongoing investigations do not exclude a gas leak 

The accident, which occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, may have been caused by a gas leak.

It rose to four the death toll of the violent esplosione which shook the department store this morning Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in the city of Taichung, in the central part of the island of Taiwan. At least ten people were injured, while rescue operations are still ongoing. The explosion occurred around 11:33 local time (4:33 in Italy), In 'refreshment area located on the twelfth floor of the building, according to the Taichung Fire Bureau.

The authorities' initial hypotheses suggest that the cause could be a gas leak, as reported by Taiwanese news agencies but the dynamics are still being examined by the investigative authorities

The dynamics of the accident

The explosion was so powerful that throwing four people out of twelfth-floor windows, as reported by some eyewitnesses. At the moment, Rescue workers are trying to determine if there are any more victims in the rubble. According to the first statements of the mayor of Taichung, Lu Shiow-yen, At least six people were found in cardiac arrest.

The images shared by the media show the moment of the explosion: debris and coatings fallen from the upper floors, dust enveloping the area and frantic scenes of rescue of the wounded.

Rescue and investigations

After the explosion was reported, firefighters and ambulances quickly arrived on the scene, immediately starting evacuation operations and securing the building. The injured were transported to hospitals in the city, some in critical condition.

The authorities have an investigation has already been launched to determine the origin of the accident. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, asked all relevant government agencies to cooperate to clarify the causes and check for any further hazards in the facility.

The explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store has shaken the city of Taichung and raised concerns about the safety of gas distribution systems in public facilities. Local authorities have promised updates and a thorough investigation to prevent similar events from happening again.