Four people were killed and 47 were injured in a gas explosion at a restaurant in Shenyang, Liaoning Province in northeast China, local authorities said.
The injured were hospitalized for 100 firefighters and 25 fire engines fought the blaze at the scene. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.
The video, published online, shows the mass destruction of a three-story building, the wreckage of which is scattered throughout the area and damaged nearby buildings. Cars parked near the restaurant were also damaged.
Witnesses described the blast “as if a bomb had been dropped.”
“There was a loud crash. I was almost blown away,” said the owner of a nearby noodle restaurant, who was heading to work 50 meters from the site of the explosion this morning.
He told China Newsweek that the blast left a mess with broken glasses and dust everywhere. His own business was also badly damaged.
The owner of the noodles said he saw a bus with broken windows and dozens of wounded on the street, who continued to be taken to ambulances.
The media, citing several sources, reported that construction work on the gas pipeline had previously been carried out in the area. The gas company confirmed that the construction work was carried out last night.
It is unknown whether this is due to the explosion.
The gas company reportedly sent workers to the scene to cooperate with the investigation and said an official announcement would be made.
#LATEST Three killed, over 30 injured in gas explosion at restaurant in NE China’s Shenyang
more: https://t.co/XJudt0bDha pic.twitter.com/nGf2wyFLMr
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) October 21, 2021