16 killed in gas explosion in southwest China

By CNN Newsource

Published January 8, 2022 3:24 AM

By Yong Xiong and Chandler Thornton, CNN

At least 16 people were killed and 10 others injured Friday in a gas explosion in southwestern China, according to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Management.

The ministry said a cafeteria for a local government district office in Chongqing city collapsed after a suspected gas leak and explosion, trapping a total of 26 people.

More than 600 first responders took part in the rescue mission and officials are investigating the cause of the explosion, it added.

China has been hit by a number of gas explosions in recent years. In October, four people were killed and more than 30 injured when a blast ripped through a restaurant in the northeastern city of Shenyang.

In June, at least 12 people were killed in a huge explosion in central Hubei province.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Asia/Pacific

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