A devastating gas explosion occurred at the Xin Guang San Yue Building, also known as Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, located in Taichung City, Taiwan, on February 13, drawing significant attention due to the tragic outcomes. The explosion took place around 11:30 AM during the lunch rush, affecting both patrons and staff within the mall, with reports indicating multiple injuries and fatalities.
Initial investigations by the Taichung City Fire Bureau suggest the explosion was linked to renovation work being conducted on the 12th floor of the building, which houses various restaurants. Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen commented on the incident, stating, "I felt a noticeable tremor during my office hours, and soon after, the fire bureau reported a gas explosion had been triggered at the Xin Guang San Yue Building. We immediately deployed rescue efforts, recognizing the severity of the gas explosion." The mayor emphasized the city's commitment to providing comprehensive support for the rescue operations.
Among the injured were visitors from Macau, highlighting their unfortunate involvement. Reports detail the tragic fate of one elderly man who died on the scene, alongside dramatic accounts of his family, who were present during the chaos. Describing the injury toll, the Cheng Ching Hospital confirmed they received several casualties stemming from the incident. "A family from Macau, comprising four generations, was affected. They were en route to another mall nearby when they were caught up in the explosion," said Mayor Lu.
Rescue teams were deployed rapidly, with more than 26 individuals injured as of the last updates, marking the explosion as one of the most tragic incidents the city has faced. By 5 PM, search and rescue operations concluded, and fortunately, officials confirmed no individuals were trapped inside the building. The authorities, including the Taichung District Prosecutor's Office, stated they would keep close communication with the police to process the incident effectively.
Eyewitness accounts painted disturbing pictures of the aftermath. Various videos circulated on social media showcasing the explosion's immediate impact—shattered glass strewn across the roads, shockwaves felt even from two kilometers away, and intense smoke billowing from the building's windows. Reports show the first two floors of the department store sustained heavy damage, with ceilings torn down and elevator doors blown open, leading to significant chaos as people scrambled for exits amid fear and panic.
Heroic scenes unfolded amid the chaos, with witnesses reporting on the bravery of bystanders who rushed to provide assistance. One particularly heartwrenching moment featured an elderly man performing CPR on one of the injured. Observers noted how he continually urged the victim, "Don’t be afraid! I’ll try my best to save you!"
Out of the confirmed casualties, four individuals lost their lives, with at least six suffering from grave injuries—a situation still developing as authorities continue assessing the full extent of the damage. Meanwhile, several roads around the mall have been closed to accommodate rescue and recovery efforts, and the police have asked the public to avoid the area.
Mayor Lu reiterated the city’s commitment to investigating how the explosion had occurred and to supporting the affected families. She remarked, "The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we will thoroughly investigate to prevent such tragic events from happening again." The Taichung City Government has promised to provide psychological support for disaster victims and their families as they begin to process the aftermath.
The explosion at the Xin Guang San Yue Building serves as a solemn reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the importance of strict safety protocols during renovation activities. Authorities have vowed to reassess safety regulations to prevent future accidents, seeking to identify any lapses or negligence associated with the incident.