A tragic gas explosion that ripped through a BBQ restaurant in Yinchuan, the capital of China's Ningxia region, resulted in the death of at least 31 individuals, according to authorities who issued a statement on Thursday. The unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday evening and left the two-story eatery in complete ruin.
The explosion struck the establishment around 8:40 p.m. when customers were relishing lamb kebabs and other delicacies prepared on gas burners. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site, which was strewn with broken glass and debris. The fire caused by the explosion was extinguished within an hour.
The death toll was kept under wraps until Thursday morning, when it was publicly announced that, besides the 31 fatalities, seven more people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained from the blast. One individual is reportedly in critical condition. As NY Post highlights, the Chinese Communist Party has become proficient in managing the narrative around such disasters and accidents until they have a firm grip on the situation.
Initial reports by Xinhua, the official news agency, had estimated one fatality and twenty injured. They didn't hint at the possibility of a higher death toll. Local officials in Ningxia committed to a thorough probe into the incident and initiated a campaign to augment safety.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences in the aftermath of the tragedy, a customary act following significant disasters. Xi's statement was particularly poignant given that the incident occurred just before the traditional Chinese festival of Duanwujie, or the Dragon Boat Festival.
This explosion may spur a detailed examination of China's booming BBQ restaurant sector. Even though there has been a noticeable improvement in safety records at work sites and mines, and routine inspections of restaurants and gas supplies are conducted, fatal accidents like this one continue to occur.
An eyewitness account by a woman named Chen, who was approximately 50 meters from the restaurant, stated she heard the explosion and saw two restaurant employees exit the premises, one of whom immediately collapsed. Thick smoke emanated from the restaurant and the air was filled with the smell of cooking gas.
Rescue operations, as confirmed by the Central Government's Ministry of Emergency Management, concluded on Thursday morning. The investigation to determine the cause of the explosion is underway. A preliminary investigation by the fire department reveals that an employee had detected a gas leak about an hour before the blast occurred. He found a damaged valve on a liquefied gas tank and was in the process of replacing it when the explosion took place.
BBQ joints form an integral part of China's street food culture, particularly in the northwestern regions. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stricter safety protocols within the industry.
