Deadly Blast at Chinese Barbecue Restaurant Claims 31 Lives, Gas Leak Suspected

 Explosion During Dragon Boat Festival Leaves Restaurant in Shambles

A tragic incident unfolded in northwestern China as an explosion at a barbecue restaurant resulted in the loss of at least 31 lives and left seven others injured. The blast occurred at approximately 8:40 PM (12:40 GMT) on Wednesday in a residential area of Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The explosion took place during the festivities of the three-day Dragon Boat Festival, with many people gathered at the restaurant.

According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the explosion was triggered by a suspected leak of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) used for cooking purposes. The regional Communist Party committee confirmed that the leak led to the devastating blast. Among the injured, one individual is in critical condition, while two others suffered severe burns. Two individuals sustained minor injuries, and two more were affected by flying glass shards.

Video footage from state broadcaster CCTV revealed the aftermath of the explosion, with firefighters working diligently at the scene as smoke billowed from a significant hole in the restaurant's facade. The street surrounding the area was scattered with debris and shattered glass.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying incident, with one woman stating that she was around 50 meters away from the restaurant when the explosion occurred. She witnessed two waiters stumbling out of the establishment, one of them collapsing immediately. The strong smell of cooking gas was also reported by witnesses.

Following the explosion, nine individuals, including the restaurant's owner, shareholders, and staff, were apprehended by the police. Their assets have been frozen as part of the investigation, as reported by CCTV.

The incident has left the community in mourning, as authorities continue to probe the cause of the tragic explosion that claimed numerous lives and caused significant damage.