Gas explosion in luxury department store: tragedy hits family of seven

Gas explosion in luxury department store: tragedy hits family of seven

In a tragic incident in Taiwan, at least four people died while 24 others were injured in a devastating gas explosion at a luxury department store in the city of Taichung the Kleine Zeitung reported. The explosion occurred on the upper floors of the mall, reportedly during construction work that was taking place on the 12th floor and resulted in a temporary closure. The exact causes of the accident are currently being investigated.

Shocking video footage shows the force of the explosion, in which massive parts of facades and components were thrown onto sidewalks and streets. Eyewitnesses reported an overwhelming boom that was initially thought to be an earthquake. A family of seven who happened to be near the department store were hit by falling debris, resulting in the grandparents' tragic death. A two-year-old girl is in critical condition, while the rest of the family fortunately only sustained minor injuries, according to Mayor Lu Shiow-yen the Allgäuer Zeitung announced.

Eyewitness reports and injuries

There was an eyewitness in the building who was on the sixth floor with her husband. She described how the area was filled with flying debris and broken glass. “Parts fell down from the elevator and there were broken pieces of glass on every floor,” she said in shock. The injured people were immediately taken to area hospitals, while fire and rescue services continue to respond to the impact of the explosion.