A late-night restaurant explosion in New Taipei injured five people and damaged nearby buildings on Monday, prompting a large emergency response and an ongoing investigation. The restaurant explosion occurred shortly after midnight in Banciao District, sending debris and shattered glass into surrounding streets and startling nearby residents.
Fire authorities confirmed that the blast began in a shared second-floor kitchen used by two restaurants in a busy commercial zone. Emergency teams quickly arrived with 29 vehicles and 88 firefighters and medical staff, who treated multiple pedestrians struck by flying debris. Four injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while one person declined treatment.
Officials said none of the injuries required extended hospitalization, although one nearby resident sought a medical check after reporting discomfort. The restaurant explosion also damaged roughly 174 square meters of space inside the affected buildings, according to fire department assessments.
Investigators suspect a gas leak triggered the blast after the restaurants closed the night before. Fire crews later located four gas cylinders at the site, and inspectors continued examining equipment and storage conditions to determine the exact cause.
New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi visited the scene and confirmed that at least six surrounding homes reported damage, including broken windows and possible structural concerns. He announced that engineers will conduct door-to-door inspections and help residents seek compensation if needed.
Cleanup operations finished before the morning commute to allow traffic and businesses in the area to resume. Officials formed a task force to oversee next steps, support affected residents, and evaluate whether additional safety checks for commercial gas systems are necessary.
Authorities said findings from the restaurant explosion could shape future regulations aimed at preventing similar incidents in dense commercial districts.
