A powerful explosion believed to be caused by a gas leak resulted in the death of one person and injured 22 others on Wednesday in Hebei Province, northern China, and demolished at least one building, according to state media and images posted on social media. CCTV reported that the incident has so far left two dead and 26 injured, adding that the explosion is thought to have originated from a gas leak inside a fried chicken restaurant. According to Chinese television, the explosion occurred just before 08:00 (midnight UTC) in a residential area of Sanhe City, less than 50 kilometers east of Beijing.
CCTV mentioned that "the incident took place on the ground floor of a restaurant in an old residential area," and that "the injured were transported to the hospital." Footage on Chinese social media showed a loud explosion causing thick smoke and flames rising on a road that is usually very crowded at that time. Other images displayed a completely collapsed building and several damaged vehicles. Rescue teams quickly spread to the scene, with 36 ambulances and 154 personnel sent to assist in the operations, according to local fire departments, which stated that "the fire is now under control."
