The Hsinchu City Fire Department in Taiwan reported that a suspected gas explosion occurred at a residence on Gao Cui Road on Tuesday. Preliminary assessment indicates it was a gas explosion, affecting around 8 households and 18 residents, resulting in 4 injuries. Among them, 2 were rescued in an OHCA (out-of-hospital cardiac arrest) state and later died after being sent to the hospital.
The Hsinchu City Fire Department announced that they received a report from the public at 3:52 a.m., stating that there was a suspected gas leak at a residence on Gao Cui Road in Hsinchu's East District. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:05 a.m., and at 4:08 a.m. reported a major explosion incident, dispatching additional personnel for rescue operations.
Mayor Ann Kao, in a media interview, said that a total of 4 people were injured in this incident. A 60-year-old male surnamed Xiao suffered abrasions, and a 33-year-old male surnamed Gu had facial lacerations—both have been sent for medical treatment. Another two, a 65-year-old man surnamed Wu and a 58-year-old woman surnamed Zhang, were severely injured and were rescued in an OHCA state but could not be revived despite emergency medical treatment.
She noted that around 8 households and 18 residents were affected by this incident, but since some residents were not present at the time or are still being contacted, the actual number of affected people will continue to be updated.
Ann Kao stated that the city government has established a contact mechanism through district leaders, district offices, and various departments to confirm the needs of the affected residents one by one, and will do its best to assist with follow-up resettlement and recovery efforts.
District chief Guo Pengxin posted on Facebook that Gao Cui Road was temporarily closed in both directions due to the explosion but has since been reopened to traffic. Surveillance footage showed a flash of fire at the moment of the explosion, which severely damaged the building's exterior walls and windows.
A resident surnamed Xu told CNA reporters that the building's exterior walls and windows were badly damaged at the scene, with debris such as bricks, metal sheets, and glass scattered all over the road. Several vehicles parked along the roadside were also affected. Firefighters and police are continuing with rescue and cleanup efforts.