A suspected gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in the Xitun district of central Taiwan resulted in at least four deaths and injured several others on Thursday.

The incident occurred during renovations on the 11th and 12th floors of the building, local sources reported.

According to Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, the department store has been ordered to suspend operations until it passes a safety inspection following the morning explosion. "We are taking immediate steps to ensure public safety," Mayor Lu stated after an emergency response meeting.

The National Fire Agency noted that the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, but Taichung Fire Bureau Chief Sun Fu-you confirmed that the blast originated in the food court on the 12th floor where renovation work was underway. Preliminary investigations ruled out the presence of explosives or combustible dust, pointing towards gas as the likely cause.

Police have implemented traffic controls around the department store to aid rescue operations. Sun Fu-you detailed that on-site staff reported they were adjusting sales counters when the explosion occurred, specifically during counter dismantling on the 12th floor.

The explosion led to tragic outcomes with two of the deceased found on the 11th and 12th floors, while the other two were discovered on the sidewalk of the first floor. There were no reports of anyone falling from the building.

Legal repercussions are also on the horizon for Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, with the Taichung city government announcing fines totaling up to NT$1.2 million (approximately US$36,566) for multiple violations including the Fire Services Act, Building Act, and Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Prosecutors are currently investigating the incident to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion. (ILKHA)