Gas explosion injures 1, destroys shop in Taichung City

A braised foods vendor was injured when a gas explosion destroyed her store in Taichung City’s North District this morning, January 2.

The 43-year-old woman, named Ni, was preparing to open her store on Meiting Street when the explosion occurred at around 8:00 am. According to a preliminary investigation, an improperly closed gas cylinder caused an accumulation of gas in the store. When Ni lit a stove, the gas was ignited.

Ni was knocked over as windows shattered on the first and second floors of the building. A hot pot restaurant next door was also affected by the blast. Ni remained conscious, but suffered first and second degree burns to around 10% of her body, concentrated on the face and chest.

Two police officers were dealing with a parking violation around 10 meters from the store at the time of the explosion. The officers ran to Ni’s assistance, and one officer with the help of a passerby, carried Ni out of danger, as flames billowed from a gas pipe.

Ni was rushed to China Medical University Hospital, where doctors described her condition as stable and not life-threatening after treatment.

Taichung City Fire Department said that the explosion and fire had affected an area of around 60 square meters.

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