New Taipei City, Taiwan — December 8, 2025
A powerful gas explosion ripped through the Fuzhong commercial district in Banqiao, New Taipei City, at around 1:00 a.m. today (December 8). The blast severely damaged two restaurants—Teishoku 8 and Zheng Xian—shattering storefronts and sending debris onto the street. Five passersby were injured and transported to nearby hospitals; all have since been discharged. Seven residents living above the affected establishments were safely evacuated as authorities quickly secured the area.
Structural Damage Found on Upper Floors
New Taipei City Public Works Commissioner Feng Zhaolin reported that the explosion caused damage in multiple directions, including upward force that affected the building’s internal structure. Floors on the second and third levels were found to be warped, while rear balconies were blown off entirely by the shockwave.
The city has commissioned the Structural Engineers Association to conduct a detailed structural assessment. Inspectors will evaluate whether the building’s beams, columns, and floor slabs were compromised.
Feng emphasized that business operations will only resume once all repairs are completed and the building passes safety verification.
Experts: Internal Inspection Required Before Residents Can Return
According to Chiou Dachang, president of the Structural Engineers Association, initial external observations reveal damaged exterior walls and partial destruction on the second and third floors. However, Chiou noted that a thorough internal inspection is required to determine whether the building is safe for occupancy.
Obstructions at the scene have so far prevented inspectors from entering. Chiou reiterated that structural integrity cannot be judged solely by exterior appearance. Preliminary analysis suggests that the most severe damage likely occurred on the second and third floors, particularly to the floor slabs, beams, and columns.
District officials are assisting in contacting the building owner for coordination.
Councilor Calls for Tighter Building Oversight and Traffic Safety
New Taipei City Councilor Huang Shujun expressed concern over public safety, noting that the Fuzhong area is already congested and expected to attract more visitors due to Christmas events. She has instructed the police to strengthen traffic control and ensure pedestrian safety around the cordoned-off site.
Huang also urged authorities to include nearby buildings in a formal monitoring list, stressing that commercial districts with heavy foot traffic require stricter oversight. She called on the district office to notify property owners and coordinate inspections with structural engineers.
If structural risks are confirmed, Huang said the Public Works Department should take proactive measures and assist with repair-related expenses, emphasizing that public safety must remain the top priority.