A devastating gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung City on Thursday claimed four lives and left 26 injured, according to local fire authorities.

The explosion occurred in the food court on the 12th floor of the popular shopping complex. Firefighters rushed to the scene around 11:30 a.m., finding extensive damage to the building’s exterior and debris scattered across nearby streets.

Among the deceased were two visitors from Macau, confirmed by Macao’s Tourism Office. Local media reported that they were part of a seven-member family visiting Taiwan for tourism. The remaining five family members were also injured and are currently receiving treatment at Taichung hospitals.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who felt the blast from her nearby office, assured the public that rescue efforts remained the top priority. However, authorities have also launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and assess other potential hazards in the building.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has instructed all relevant government agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. Officials are now examining whether additional safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

This incident has raised concerns over gas safety measures in high-rise commercial buildings, with authorities urging increased vigilance to prevent similar disasters in the future.