HUAIAN, JIANGSU – Two individuals sustained injuries following an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Huain, Jiangsu on Saturday afternoon. This incident marks the second devastating explosion to occur in China in a week.
Reports from state broadcaster CCTV indicated that the explosion transpired at 4:23 pm, resulting in a fire that was promptly extinguished by evening. Details regarding the cause of the blast have yet to be disclosed.
The city’s emergency management bureau confirmed that the two injured individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Video footage circulating on social media showcased the building’s ground and first floors charred, with windows and doors shattered while smoke billowed from the remaining structure.
Injuries were sustained by a cook, according to the restaurant’s owner as quoted in mainland media. Huaian, with a population of 4.55 million, is located approximately 250 miles northwest of Shanghai.
The recent explosion occurred only three days subsequent to a separate blast in Yanjiao, a commuter town in Hebei province near Beijing. Seven individuals perished, and 27 others were injured in the Yanjiao incident.
Authorities have attributed the Yanjiao blast to a gas pipeline leak. This follows a gas explosion at a restaurant in Ningxia, a region in northwestern China, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 31 individuals and prompted a nationwide safety inspection initiative in June.