A gas explosion at a food court in Taiwan killed one person and injured eleven others on Tuesday night. The blast happened at a busy shopping mall in Taoyuan City, damaging several restaurants and trapping people inside.
“We heard a loud boom, and then the entire area was covered in smoke,” said a witness. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and rescued injured victims from the wreckage.
Authorities say a gas leak likely caused the explosion. Investigators check whether safety violations or faulty equipment play a role.
Security camera footage shows the moment the explosion shook the building. Firefighters pulled several unconscious people from the site.
A 40-year-old restaurant worker died at the scene. Hospital officials say some of the injured suffered severe burns and breathing problems.
Doctors are treating victims for fractures, burns, and smoke inhalation. Some remain in critical condition and require intensive care.
Taiwan’s fire department has warned businesses about the risks of gas leaks. Officials say regular inspections are necessary to prevent similar disasters.
“Many restaurants use gas stoves, so safety checks are important,” a government spokesperson said. Officials have ordered emergency inspections of all gas lines in the area.
Residents reported smelling gas hours before the explosion. Some say they informed mall staff, but no action was taken.
Police are questioning food court employees and maintenance workers. Investigators want to know if warnings were ignored.
A local restaurant owner said safety regulations are often not enforced, and some businesses delay maintenance to avoid extra costs.
This is not the first gas-related accident in Taiwan. A similar explosion in Kaohsiung in 2014 killed 32 people and injured over 300.
The government strengthened gas safety rules after the 2014 disaster. Some experts say enforcement remains weak.
Officials have asked the mall to shut down until further inspections are completed. Authorities say businesses will face penalties if violations are found.
A firefighter described the difficult rescue operation. “The blast knocked down walls and started a fire, making it hard to reach victims,” he said.
Witnesses saw people running in panic after the explosion. Some customers were trapped inside the damaged food court.
Engineers are checking the building’s structure for further risks. Authorities may order demolitions if the damage is too severe.
Taiwan’s public safety laws require gas pipes to be inspected regularly. Violators can be fined or have their businesses shut down.
Officials say the investigation will take several weeks. They have promised to release findings once all evidence is reviewed.
Some survivors say safety measures should be improved. “If they had fixed the leak earlier, this could have been prevented,” a victim’s relative said.
Families of the injured are demanding answers. Many want to know if the mall followed proper safety protocols.
Government officials are considering stricter safety rules for food courts and restaurants. Some lawmakers suggest mandatory gas leak detectors in all commercial kitchens.
Emergency workers remain at the scene to clear debris. The mall has announced it will assist affected employees and customers.
Businesses in the area are also checking their gas lines. Many fear another explosion if safety risks are ignored.
The public is waiting for updates on the investigation. Authorities have promised to hold those responsible accountable.
