A gas explosion at a shopping mall in Taichung, Taiwan, killed at least five people and injured 20 others.

Axar.az, citing CNN, reports that the blast occurred on the 12th floor, where a food court was under construction, causing significant damage and debris to fall onto the streets below.

Over 130 firefighters are involved in ongoing rescue efforts, and 235 people have been evacuated. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has mobilized government agencies for response and urged an investigation into the cause. Taiwan has experienced deadly gas explosions before, including a major incident in 2014 that killed dozens in Kaohsiung.