A cooking gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant claimed the lives of 31 people and injured seven other people.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday, June 21, around 8:40 pm, on a bustling Yinchuan street busy with Dragon Boat Festival preparations. The powerful blast knocked many unconscious. Victims included individuals from various age groups, including high school students and the elderly.
As reported by Xinhua media, an hour before the catastrophe restaurant staff detected a gas leak and found a malfunctioning gas tank valve. The explosion occurred during an attempt to repair the defective valve.
The tragedy took place at a branch of the Fuyang Barbecue chain, renowned in Yinchuan for its grilled skewers and stir-fried meals. The two-story restaurant accommodated 20 patrons on the lower level and featured private dining rooms equipped with karaoke on the upper floor.
The injured were transported to the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. The Ministry of Emergency Management announced on social media on June 22 that the rescue mission was complete and the investigation into the explosion’s cause had commenced.
In the aftermath of the incident, President Xi Jinping stressed the need for immediate medical aid for the wounded and called for a comprehensive safety check. The President mandated a detailed investigation to pinpoint the cause of the explosion and enforce legal responsibility on the accountable parties. He also urged a nationwide review of safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
