Gas Explosion in Taichung Mall Kills 4, Injures 26

A suspected gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, Taiwan, resulted in at least four deaths and 26 injuries. The blast occurred on the 12th floor during construction work and caused significant damage from the ninth floor upwards. Among the deceased were two tourists from Macau, and a family of seven from Macau was heavily affected, with two fatalities. Emergency services responded promptly, deploying over 130 firefighters and numerous vehicles. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has ordered a thorough investigation into the explosion's cause, and the Shin Kong Group has pledged compensation to the victims' families. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate rescue operations.