A department store was severely damaged after a suspected gas leak explosion rocked a building, killing one person in Taiwan this morning.

Footage shows the blast's aftermath in Taichung on February 13. Concrete had been ripped off the wall by the powerful impact.

Debris was scattered on the floor, and the elevator doors were destroyed, as seen from the dining area.

The blast was also so intense it also caused damage outside the building.

One person died on the spot while 11 others were rushed to the hospital. Rescuers said four of them were in critical condition.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow Yen said an investigation into the cause of the explosion was ongoing.

Mayor Lu said: 'We felt the shock at my office nearby. The fire bureau would focus on a rescue operation first, but an investigation is also underway and officers are checking whether there are other sources of danger.'