MULTIPLE gas explosions have left at least 15 people dead and 228 injured in Taiwan city of Kaohsiung.

The National Fire Agency said that the cause of the blasts was not immediately clear.

The death toll includes at least one firefighter, Premier Jiang Yi-huah told reporters.

Video from Taiwanese broadcaster ETTV showed a large fire buing the middle of a street, with smoke rising into the night sky.

A motorcycle and other debris were scattered across the middle of the roadway.

Mobile phone video captured the sound of a secondary explosion as flames leapt at least 9 metres into the air.

The force of the initial blast also felled trees lining the street. Local TVBS showed cars flipped over and shattered windows.

Power was cut off in the area, making it difficult for firefighters to search for others who might be buried in rubble.

Dramatic footage of motorist trying to outrun Taiwan gas explosions which have killed at least 15