Video: Explosion in Taiwan department store kills 5, injures 7

An explosion in a Taiwan department store on Thursday killed at least five people and injured seven others, with videos showing large pieces of debris raining down on the street, local media reported

The incident happened in the central west city of Taichung, according to a fire department official.

At least six people were in cardiac arrest, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen told reporters. 

Video posted on social media and verified by AFP showed the moment of the explosion, with cladding and other debris flying off the building and dust billowing from inside. 

"I was working in the city government building around 11:30 am and because it's right next to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, I felt a vibration," Lu said.

"The explosion is very serious and the rescue is ongoing."