UPDATED (3:40pm):
A suspected gas explosion at a shopping mall in Taichung this morning has killed four people and injured 20 others, as emergency responders continue to investigate.
Photo: Liao Yao-tung, Taipei Times
The explosion occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Situn District (西屯) at 11:33am.
One person was declared dead at the scene, while three people were declared deceased later after receiving emergency treatment.
Another 20 people sustained major or minor injuries.
Photo: Liao Yao-tung, Taipei Times
The Taichung Fire Bureau said it received a report of the explosion at 11:33am and sent rescuers to respond.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, it said.
The National Fire Agency said that it is still unclear what caused the incident, after reports suggested it may have been linked to ongoing renovations in the food court or a gas leak as a restaurant was changing a gas canister.
Photo: Liao Yao-tung, Taipei Times
Police are also at the scene to guide people from the building and direct traffic, it added.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area to facilitate rescue services.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said the city has set up an emergency response center with personnel from various departments including the bureau and Police Department to coordinate rescue efforts.
Additional reporting by Chang Tuan-chen and CNA
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