121123 14 were killed and 47 others injured in an explosion at a hot pot restaurant
China Nov 25 2012 “Other bldg.”
Dead : dead more than 10 Burnout : 1 to 29 Injured : injured more than 10
14 were killed and 47 others injured in an explosion at a hot pot restaurant
Updated: 2012-11-25-08:03
In a separate accident, 14 were killed and 47 others injured in an explosion at a hot pot restaurant as of 7 pm on Saturday in Shanxi province.
The accident, which happened in Shouyang county at about 8 pm on Friday, killed six people on the spot, while another eight died in hospital.
Initial investigation showed that the explosion was caused by gas leak, according to Xinhua News Agency.
According to witnesses, the explosion was so strong that it shattered the windows and twisted steel bars of shops more than 20 meters away from the restaurant.
The explosion happened on the first floor of the two-story hot pot restaurant, crowded with about 100 customers, and fierce fire spread to the second floor quickly, according to a report by China Central Television. The video footage showed the restaurant in ruins with shattered walls and ceilings.
“I was having dinner when suddenly I saw a burst of a fire ball opposite me,” said Zhang Xiaoguang, a survivor who was receiving treatment in a local hospital after suffering slight injuries.
“Almost instinctively, I dodged and hid myself under the table. I heard a loud explosion. The whole room was in a mess and I jumped out of the window of the second floor. I saw people struggling to jump and some put their head out of the window as the intense heat made it difficult to breathe.”
Yuan Heping, who also suffered slight burn injuries, said the explosion happened very suddenly.
“I was having dinner with my friends on the second floor and suddenly there was a loud explosion and I was pushed backward by an intense heat wave. The room was wrapped in thick smoke. I quickly took off my sweater to cover my mouth and jumped off the window,” he recalled.
The State Administration of Work Safety has urged the local authorities for all-out rescue effort and a thorough investigation.
Hot pot is a kind of stew using a metal pot that is kept simmering by charcoal, electricity or gas. It is popular during winter in many areas in China.
(China Daily 11/25/2012 page1)
———-
Web Source: China Daily
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sunday/2012-11/25/content_15955990.htm
Date: 25 November, 2012
Country: China