At least 31 people tragically perished in a gas explosion at a BBQ restaurant in Yinchuan City, China’s Ningxia province, according to CNN. Seven additional people were hurt in the event. The explosion, which happened on Wednesday at around 8:40 p.m., was reportedly brought on by a leak in a liquid petrol tank within the restaurant, according to state broadcaster CCTV. One victim is still in serious condition, but the other injured people are being treated for minor wounds, burns, and cuts brought on by shattered glass.
Local fire authorities promptly responded to the incident, dispatching 20 vehicles and over 100 personnel to the scene. Rescue and search operations continued until 4 am local time, as reported by state media.
The pictures shared by the state media showcase the damaged building with blackened exteriors, debris on the ground and smoke in the air. Firefighters were seen going towards the second floor on a ladder and moving people out on stretchers, the CNN report said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the explosion as “heartbreaking” and stressed that it was a “profound lesson.” He has directed the authorities on the scene to make “all efforts” to treat the injured, strengthen safety supervision and protect the safety of people, CNN cited CCTV.