31 dead in gas explosion at restaurant in Chinese city Yinchuan How conspirator Birkmann wanted to seize power in Germany

A gas explosion at a restaurant in northwestern China killed 31 people. Seven were injured, including one seriously, state media reported Thursday. Two of the injured suffered minor burns. The accident happened Wednesday evening at a barbecue restaurant in Xingqing District, Yinchuan City (Ningxia Autonomous Region).

The cause was probably a gas leak. Chinese head of state and party leader Xi Jinping ordered a full investigation into the accident on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival – a national holiday on Thursday. Nine suspects of responsibility have been arrested, including the manager, a shareholder of the restaurant and employees, state television reports. Your accounts are blocked.

The city government said an employee and a cook noticed the smell of gas about an hour before the accident and discovered that a gas tank valve was broken. Another employee was sent to buy a new valve. The explosion then occurred when the valve needed to be replaced, the statement said.

First a gas tank on the ground floor exploded, then a gas pipe burst on the first floor, state media reported. Rooms with karaoke equipment were located on the first floor, where numerous guests ate during the accident, according to the news site “Fengmian Xinwen”.

It was initially unknown why the restaurant was not evacuated immediately after the smell of gas was detected and the defective valve was discovered. However, after the accident, people from neighboring houses were taken to nearby hotels for safety. Rescuers tried to identify the victims.

According to state media, 20 fire engines and about 100 emergency services and helpers were mobilized. The operation was completed Thursday morning. (aeg/sda/dpa)