Gas explosion at Chinese restaurant leaves 31 dead and 7 injured
At least 31 people have been killed and seven injured in a gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in the Chinese city of Yinchuan, according to state media. The explosion occurred on Wednesday night and was caused by a leak from a liquefied gas tank inside the restaurant. The incident took place at around 8:40 p.m. local time.
Among the injured, one person remains in critical condition, while the other six are being treated in the hospital for minor injuries, burns, and glass cuts. Local fire authorities quickly responded to the scene, sending 20 vehicles and over 100 personnel to carry out search and rescue operations. The efforts lasted until 4 a.m. on Thursday.
Photos shared by state media show the extent of the damage, with the building’s exteriors blackened, debris scattered on the ground, and smoke in the air. Firefighters were seen entering the second floor using a ladder and rescuing individuals on stretchers.
Investigations conducted by police and firefighters revealed that two restaurant staff members had detected the smell of gas approximately an hour before the explosion. The Yinchuan government stated that the two employees discovered a broken valve on the gas tank and sent another staff member to purchase a replacement. Unfortunately, the explosion occurred during the valve replacement process.
The restaurant is situated on a busy street, as reported by state media. In response to the incident, authorities have detained nine individuals, including the restaurant’s manager, employees, and shareholders. Their assets have also been frozen, according to China Youth Daily.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as “heartbreaking” and a “profound lesson.” He emphasized the importance of providing medical treatment to the injured, comforting the victims’ families, and determining the cause of the accident as soon as possible. Xi also ordered relevant government agencies to conduct a safety risk review and strengthen safety supervision in key sectors.
The gas explosion occurred just before China’s three-day national public holiday, which marks the Dragon Boat Festival and takes place from Thursday to Saturday. This incident adds to a series of safety incidents that have shaken the country this year, including a coal mine collapse in Inner Mongolia in February that claimed the lives of 53 people and a hospital fire in Beijing in April that killed 29 individuals.
CNN’s Wayne Chang contributed to this report.
How can businesses and individuals contribute to preventing gas explosions and promoting safety in their communities
Following the explosion.
The blast resulted in extensive damage to the restaurant and nearby buildings, with shattered glass and debris scattered in the surrounding area. Witnesses described a loud bang followed by a powerful shockwave that shook the ground.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate survivors and search for any potential victims trapped under the debris. A total of 31 bodies were recovered from the scene, indicating the devastating impact of the explosion.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the gas leak and any possible negligence on the part of the restaurant or gas supplier. They have also ordered safety checks for all businesses using liquefied gas in the area to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety regulations and regular inspections to prevent such disasters. Gas explosions can have catastrophic consequences, endangering the lives of not only those inside the premises but also nearby residents and passersby.
Safety measures, such as proper storage and maintenance of gas tanks, along with regular training for employees on how to handle such situations, are vital to ensuring the well-being and protection of both customers and staff.
The Chinese government has pledged to improve safety standards and enforce stricter regulations across the country to prevent such accidents from recurring. It is crucial for businesses and individuals to prioritize safety and adhere to all precautionary measures to prevent the loss of lives and destruction caused by gas explosions.
This is an extremely tragic incident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating gas explosion.