Taichung explosion defendants indictedSYSTEMIC FAILURES: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi’s negligence was serious and the defendants attempted to deflect responsibility after the deadly explosion, prosecutors saidStaff writer, with CNA, TAICHUNGProsecutors yesterday indicted 13 people, including a department store manager and contractors, over a deadly gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Zhonggang store in Taichung in February that killed five people and injured 35. Debris litters the ground outside the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Zhonggang store in Taichung after an explosion on Feb. 13. The 13 defendants and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store Co (新光三越百貨) were indicted on charges including negligent homicide, negligent injury and contraventions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (職業安全衛生法). Shin Kong Mitsukoshi said it respects the prosecution’s decision and would cooperate fully with judicial proceedings. The Taichung store resumed operations on Sept. 27 after safety upgrades following a city government-ordered suspension.

Source: Taipei Times December 30, 2025 17:13 UTC