Five dead after suspected gas blast at Taiwan mall

The food court on the 12th floor was closed at the time due to the building work, it added.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, writing on his Facebook page, called for a speedy investigation into the cause of the blast.

Dozens of firefighters were deployed to the scene. Parts of the building's exterior were damaged and scattered fragments were strewn on the streets.

Taichung mayor Lu Shiow-yen told reporters at the scene that she felt the shock at her office nearby. 

She said the fire bureau would focus on a rescue operation first and officers were checking whether there were other sources of danger.

with Reuters