Authorities in Taiwan say an explosion at a department store in central Taiwan on Thursday has left four people dead and one without vital signs.
Fire authorities were alerted of an explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store in Taichung, central Taiwan at around 11:30 a.m.
Officials say four people have been confirmed dead, one person is without vital signs, and seven others are being treated for their injuries at a hospital.
While an investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, the circumstances are suspicious, according to reports.
Firefighters found three gas cylinders on the second and third floors of the Chen residence. Mr Chen’s body was found next to one of the gas cylinders and the valve had been opened.
The placement of the gas bottles were suspicious, firefighters said, because the kitchen is located on the first floor, and the cylinders were not connected to a stove or other appliance.
Police and the Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau revealed that the family had a history of domestic violence, and that Chen and his wife had agreed to divorce back in May, but were still living in the same house. Mr Chen had been unemployed for the last two years, while Mrs Chen worked as a kindergarten teacher.
The preliminary police investigation also found that Chen and his wife had quarreled before the explosion.
The explosion seriously damaged the Chen residence, and also caused walls in the two adjacent residences to collapse.
Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen visited the scene of the disaster to offer assistance to those affected, including arranging emergency accommodation.
Footage aired by Taiwanese TV station TVBS shows significant damage to the upper part of the building, with debris scattered on the ground nearby as emergency responders work at the scene.
Another video clip from inside the building shows shoppers and store clerks suddenly feeling a strong tremor and rushing to evacuate.
After the explosion, parts of the ceiling can be seen peeling off, with debris scattered across the floor.
Fire officials say a gas explosion occurred around the department store’s 12th floor. They added that they are investigating the cause.
The department store is jointly operated by Taiwan’s Shin Kong Group and Japan’s Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings.