A suspected gas explosion has hit a department store in the city of Taichung in Taiwan, killing at least four people, authorities there said on Thursday.

The morning blast – which injured about 20 others – is said to have occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store.

The floor was believed to be closed for construction work at the time of the explosion.

Among the dead were two people visiting from Macau, while a third was severely injured, Macau authorities said.

Parts of the building's exterior were damaged, and scattered fragments were strewn on the streets.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Hong Kong's immigration authorities said they have not received any requests for help from SAR residents in the affected area.

The Immigration Department said it would maintain close contact with tourism representatives here and monitor the situation.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2024-02-13 HKT 17:26