Authorities in Taiwan say an explosion at a department store in central Taiwan on Thursday has left four people dead and one without vital signs.

Fire authorities were alerted of an explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store in Taichung, central Taiwan at around 11:30 a.m.

Officials say four people have been confirmed dead, one person is without vital signs, and seven others are being treated for their injuries at a hospital.

Footage aired by Taiwanese TV station TVBS shows significant damage to the upper part of the building, with debris scattered on the ground nearby as emergency responders work at the scene.

Another video clip from inside the building shows shoppers and store clerks suddenly feeling a strong tremor and rushing to evacuate.

After the explosion, parts of the ceiling can be seen peeling off, with debris scattered across the floor.

Fire officials say a gas explosion occurred in the department store's restaurant area on the 12th floor. They add that renovation work was underway on the floor, and are investigating the details.

The department store is jointly operated by Taiwan's Shin Kong Group and Japan's Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings.