At least two people have died and 26 injured after a suspected gas explosion at a fried chicken shop in northern China, state media and local officials have said.
Buildings and cars were destroyed by the blast in the city of Sanhe in central Hebei province, around 50 miles (80km) east Beijing, at about 8am (local time) on Wednesday.
The force of the explosion sent a large orange fireball, followed by billows of grey smoke into the air and almost as far as buildings on the opposite side of a dual carriageway in front of the eatery, video posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, showed.
Pic: China Daily/Reuters
Firefighters work to put out a fire following an explosion at a restaurant in Sanhe.
Pic: China Daily Reuters
Other video shot in the aftermath showed the destroyed frontage of buildings, mangled cars, with glass shards and other debris, including pieces of concrete and metal, in the streets, and some objects still on fire.
Workers clean up debris on the ground near the site of a restaurant explosion in Sanhe.
Pic: Cina Daily/Reuters
The injured were taken to hospital, state broadcaster CCTV News said, as more than 150 emergency personnel, including rescue workers, firefighters, health and other officials, and 36 vehicles rushed to the scene.
Firefighters work the scene of an explosion in Sanhe city in northern China. Pic: AP
A gas leak in a fried chicken shop caused the explosion in the town of Yanjiao, city emergency officials said in a statement.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control, they said.
Rescuers were responding to a suspected gas leak explosion. Pic: AP
Last year, Chinese officials issued detailed guidelines on the use of gas appliances and cookers to try to prevent such incidents.
Pic: AP
Social media posters on Weibo said the explosion occurred near a cultural centre in the town.
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Pic: AP
It happened where a nearby metro line was being built, the independent Chinese weekly, the Economic Observer, said on its social media account.
An investigation has been opened, according to social media posts.
I believe the government should implement stricter regulations on gas safety in commercial establishments. These regulations should include regular inspections and training for employees who handle gas appliances.
I wonder if the explosion was caused by someone trying to make extra crispy chicken. Ba-dum-tss!
Well, at least the fried chicken was probably delicious. Too bad the customers had to pay such a high price for it.
Well, at least the fried chicken didn’t go to waste. I’m sure the first responders enjoyed a nice meal after putting out the fire.
This is a tragic incident that has taken the lives of two individuals and injured over twenty others. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. It is important to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Gas explosions are a serious hazard, and it is important to take all necessary precautions to prevent them. Businesses should have their gas appliances inspected regularly, and employees should be trained on how to use them safely.
It’s ironic that a fried chicken shop, a place where people go to satisfy their hunger, has become the site of such a tragic incident. This is a reminder that even the most mundane activities can have devastating consequences.
Gas explosions in commercial kitchens are not uncommon, and they can be extremely dangerous. It is essential for businesses to follow safety regulations and conduct regular maintenance on their gas appliances to prevent such incidents.
This incident highlights the importance of following safety regulations and conducting regular maintenance on gas appliances. It is also a reminder that even the smallest gas leak can have devastating consequences.
This is a terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. I hope the injured make a full recovery, and I urge everyone to be vigilant about gas safety in their homes and businesses.
I wonder why the fried chicken shop was operating with a gas leak. Did they cut corners on safety to save money? Were they simply negligent?
I wonder if there was foul play involved in this explosion. It seems strange that a gas leak would cause such extensive damage.
How can such a horrific accident happen in this day and age? There must be serious safety lapses that led to this explosion. The authorities need to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.