A gas explosion took place at a barbecue restaurant in the Chinese city of Yinchuan Wednesday night, killing at least 31 people and wounding seven others, state media reported.
Media reports revealed that the explosion was caused by a leak in a liquified gas tank inside the restaurant and occurred around 8:40 p.m.
Among the seven injured, one person is still in critical condition, while the other six are being treated in the hospital for minor injuries, burns, and glass cuts.
State media indicated that local fire authorities sent 20 vehicles and over 100 personnel to the scene, along with search and rescue operations lasting until 4 a.m. Thursday morning.
On his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping called the explosion “heartbreaking,” and said it was a “profound lesson.”
Moreover, Xi ordered authorities on the scene to exert “all efforts” in order to treat the injured, reinforce safety supervision and protect residents’ safety, according to CCTV.
