Suspected gas explosion near Beijing kills 2, injures 26

Rescuers respond to a gas leak explosion in northern China, causing two deaths and injuring 26, as confirmed by authorities

Rescuers were dispatched to a suspected gas leak explosion Wednesday in a building in northern China, resulting in two deaths and injuries of 26 others, as confirmed by authorities. 

The blast occurred early in the morning at a fast-food establishment in the city of Sanhe, according to a brief statement released by authorities. Sanhe is located just an hour’s drive to the west of Beijing. 

Police had sealed off streets within a 1-kilometer radius (over half a mile) from the explosion, as observed by journalists from the Associated Press (AP), and were redirecting pedestrians. 

As of 11 a.m., fire trucks were still arriving at the site and a vehicle that had been burnt out with its windows shattered was being towed away.

Debris from the building’s structure was scattered haphazardly, with parts of the frame leaning precariously. 

Over 150 firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames, as reported by the national broadcaster CCTV.

Online videos depicted smoke emanating from a commercial building at an intersection on a mid-level floor. 

Source: AP