Gas Explosion at Chinese Restaurant Leaves 31 Dead and Several Injured
A tragic incident unfolded in Yinchuan, a city in northwest China’s Ningxia region, as a gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant resulted in the loss of 31 lives and left seven individuals injured.
The explosion occur on Wednesday night and was caused by a leak from a liquefied gas tank inside the restaurant, according to state media reports.
Gas Explosion Response and Rescue Efforts
The gas explosion took place at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time and led to severe damage to the restaurant.
State broadcaster CCTV confirm that among the injured, one person remains in critical condition. While the others are being treated in the hospital for minor injuries, burns, and cuts caused by shattered glass.
Local fire authorities swiftly responded to the incident, dispatching 20 vehicles and over 100 personnel to the scene. Search and rescue operations continued until 4 a.m. Thursday morning.
Photos released by state media show the devastated building with charred exteriors, debris scattered on the ground, and smoke in the air.
Firefighters can be using ladders to access the second floor and rescuing people on stretchers.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic event. Referring to it as “heartbreaking” and a “profound lesson.”
He has instructed authorities on-site to make every effort to treat the injured, enhance safety supervision, and ensure the well-being of residents, as reported by CCTV.
Location and Timing of the Incident
The barbecue restaurant is situate on a busy street, as indicated by state media. The gas explosion occurred just before the start of China’s three-day national public holiday. Which marks the Dragon Boat Festival and falls on Thursday to Saturday.
This incident adds to a series of safety incidents that have occurred in China this year. In February, a coal mine collapse in Inner Mongolia claimed the lives of dozens of individuals.
Followed by a devastating fire in a Beijing hospital in April, the deadliest in two decades, which resulted in the loss of 29 lives.
The gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan has left a profound impact. With 31 people losing their lives and several others sustaining injuries.
Prompt response from local authorities and rescue teams has been instrumental in managing the aftermath of the incident.
The Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, has expressed its condolences and called for efforts to prioritize the treatment of the injured.
And strengthen safety measures to protect citizens. This tragedy further highlights the importance of ensuring safety in various industries throughout China.
