A cooking gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant claimed the lives of 31 people and injured seven other people.
The incident occurred on a bustling street in Yinchuan, in the northwestern region of China, as people gathered in anticipation of the Dragon Boat Festival celebration.
According to reports, the blast occurred around 8:40 pm on Wednesday, June 21, leaving many people unconscious and requiring the help of search and rescue teams to evacuate them from the restaurant. The victims encompassed a range of demographics, including elderly people and high school students.
Xinhua media revealed that an hour prior to the explosion, restaurant employees detected the smell of cooking gas and found a broken gas tank valve. The explosion took place while an employee was in the process of replacing the valve.
Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for urgent medical attention for the injured and emphasized the need of a safety review. President Xi demanded a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable under the law. He urged all regions and relevant departments to address potential risks and hidden hazards, emphasizing the importance of promoting workplace safety.
The incident occurred at a branch of Fuyang Barbecue, a renowned restaurant chain in Yinchuan, known for its delectable grilled skewers and stir-fried dishes. The restaurant consisted of two floors, accommodating 20 people on the ground floor and offering private dining rooms with karaoke facilities on the second floor.
The injured individuals were taken to the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University.
Search and rescue operations at the restaurant concluded early Thursday morning, June 22, with investigators now focusing on determining the exact cause of the explosion, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management on social media.