Gas tank explosion in China: 9 people arrested in connection

The serious explosion occurred at Fuyang Barbecue restaurant during rush hour on the evening of June 21, while the chef was replacing the gas cylinder valve, killing 31 people and injuring 7 others.

Local firefighters worked until 4 a.m. on June 22 to remove the dead and injured from the scene. According to local media reports, the restaurant is part of a popular chain and has two floors, with a capacity of about 20 diners on the ground floor.

Those arrested after the incident included the restaurant's owner, shareholders and employees. The company's assets have also been "frozen," Xinhua reported.

Firefighters at the scene of a gas tank explosion on the evening of June 21. *Photo: Xinhua*

A video clip by China Central Television (CCTV) showed broken glass pouring from the building along with smoke rising, while ambulances waited on the street as firefighters rushed to search and rescue victims.

All the injured are being treated at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said. None of their lives are in danger.

Sixty-four families in the surrounding area have been moved to hotels, while a video recorded by The Beijing News near the scene showed nearby roads and shops still closed at noon on June 22.

At a press conference on the evening of June 22, the mayor of Yinchuan City said that he would immediately start a month-long safety inspection campaign, focusing on gas, hazardous chemicals, mines, construction sites and transportation to eliminate potential risks and dangers early.

In response to the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to treat the injured. The Chinese leader also called on investigators to determine the cause of the incident and punish those responsible.

According to SCMP, the incident in Yinchuan city left serious human consequences since an explosion at a chemical plant in Jiangsu province killed 78 people in March 2019.

China’s most recent deadly gas explosion occurred in the city of Shiyan in Hubei Province in June 2021, when a gas pipeline exploded at a vegetable market, killing 26 people. Four months after the blast, 11 people in charge of maintaining the pipeline were arrested on charges of negligence.

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