TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A devastating gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan on Thursday resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 26 others injured, according to fire officials.

The explosion took place in the food court located on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, as reported by the Taichung Fire Bureau. Higher levels of the upscale store were significantly impacted, causing debris to rain down onto the streets below.

Among the fatalities were two visitors from Macau, confirmed by Macao’s Tourism Office. Local reports indicated that they were part of a family of seven that was visiting for leisure. The five remaining family members sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals in Taichung.

Part of the department store was undergoing renovations, although it remains unclear whether this construction work played a role in the explosion. Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin spoke to reporters, stating, “If there are findings of illegal activities or violations of renovation codes, appropriate actions will be taken.”

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the scene around 11:30 a.m., where significant damage to the building’s exterior and scattered debris was evident on the streets below.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who felt the blast’s shockwave from her nearby office, assured reporters that while the fire bureau would prioritize the rescue operation, an investigation was also underway to identify any additional hazards.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has directed all relevant government agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.