TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A gas explosion at a second-floor restaurant in New Taipei’s Banqiao District injured five passersby late Sunday evening.

The blast occurred at Teishoku 8 (定食8), sending glass shards and pieces of plywood across the intersection and causing minor injuries to pedestrians below. Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the fire, confirming that no one was trapped inside, per UDN.

A preliminary inspection revealed that three large and one small interconnected gas cylinders had been dislodged in the explosion and ended up in the stairwell. Fire officials said the cylinders complied with regulations, though the cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The New Taipei City Fire Department said the explosion severely damaged the restaurant and caused additional damage to an adjacent Sushi Express, which shares the same ownership.

Four women and one man were injured by falling glass and other debris. One woman declined transportation to a hospital, while the other four were taken for treatment with minor injuries.

New Taipei Fire Commissioner Chen Tsung-yueh (陳崇岳) said the explosion affected an area of about 174 square meters. He said the commercial building mainly houses offices. 

Second-floor restaurants had closed at 9:30 p.m., and the last employee left at 10 p.m. The Banqiao District Office and the Environmental Protection Bureau have been dispatched to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow before the Monday morning commute.