Beijing, China
Reuters
A gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant on Wednesday night in China’s north-western Ningxia region killed 31, according to state-run Xinhua news agency, prompting President Xi Jinping to order stronger safety checks.
Smoke rises from a building following a gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan city, Ningxia, China, on 21st June, 2023 in this screengrab obtained from a handout video. PICTURE: Video Obtained By Reuters/Handout via Reuters
The blast in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia region, was caused by a leaking liquefied petroleum gas tank at the restaurant, Xinhua reported on Thursday.
Seven people were still undergoing treatment for burns and cuts from broken glass, Xinhua said.
Xi told authorities to go all out to treat the wounded, and said safety supervision in key industries and sectors should be strengthened, China state television reported.
Accidents due to gas and chemical blasts are not uncommon in China despite years of attempts to improve safety.
In 2015, a series of explosions in the northern port city of Tianjin killed 173 people.
