Taichung mall offers families of blast victims NT$11 million each

Taichung, Feb. 15 (CNA) Shin Kong Mitsukoshi on Saturday pledged to give the families of four people killed in an explosion at its department store in Taichung NT$11 million (US$336,595) each.

In a news release, the company said the compensation, comprising condolence money and insurance claims, was to "express its deepest sympathy and support for the victims' families."

The suspected gas explosion on Thursday resulted in four deaths, two of whom were from Macau visiting the central Taiwanese city with five other family members when debris from the explosion came crashing down.

The Taichung department store was subsequently ordered to suspend operations.

All necessary arrangements and assistance have been provided to the victims' families in dealing with the aftermath, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi said.

Concerning the welfare of its other employees working there, the department store operator said it is currently providing all necessary support and assistance, including paid leave, to ensure that their work rights are not affected.