Gas explosion in Taoyuan residential building critically injures elderly woman

A gas explosion ripped through a residential building in Taoyuan, Taiwan, around 1 a.m. Friday, resulting in a fire and critically injuring a 70-year-old woman who lived alone on the fourth floor. She was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. A woman residing on the fifth floor suffered minor smoke inhalation. Firefighters responded to the scene and rescued two men and two women from the fourth and fifth floors. Residents reported hearing a low explosion sound followed by flames erupting from the fourth floor. The blast shattered windows, scattering debris onto the street and leaving the area in disarray. The fire was extinguished within approximately half an hour. The cause of the explosion and the extent of property damage are still under investigation by the fire department. Authorities are working to determine the origin of the blast and the circumstances surrounding the incident. This tragic event highlights the dangers of gas leaks and explosions in residential areas. The community is mourning the loss of the elderly woman, and investigations are ongoing to prevent similar incidents in the future.