A gas explosion in China’s northwestern Ningxia region killed 31 people on Wednesday night, State news agency Xinhua reported.
The incident was reported from a barbecue restaurant in the capital city of Yinchuan, in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, during the evening of Wednesday, just before the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.
The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 pm, on a bustling street, while people were gathered in preparation for the festival. The area has a significant Muslim population.
Xinhua also mentioned that seven individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for burns and injuries, primarily caused by shattered glass.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to prioritize the treatment of the injured and emphasized the need to enhance safety supervision in key industries and sectors.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety, incidents involving gas and chemical explosions remain unfortunately common in China. In 2015, a tragic series of explosions in the northern port city of Tianjin had claimed 173 lives.
