5 dead, 13 injured after central Taiwan department store gas explosion

TAIPEI -- A gas explosion occurred at a department store in the city of Taichung in central Taiwan at around 11 am on Thursday, leaving five dead and 13 injured.

The accident occurred on the floor of a food court, which is under construction.

Search and rescue operations are underway at the scene, with support from local fire authorities.

Further investigation into the cause is underway.