2 Dead, Dozens Injured in Suspected Gas Explosion

Two people have died and dozens were injured when a blast caused by a gas leak tore down a four-storey building near Beijing early on Wednesday.

A government statement said the blast occurred at 7.54am in Sanhe county of Langfang in northern Hebei province, which neighbours the capital city.

It said the blast occurred at a fried chicken restaurant in Yanjiao, a town in Sanhe.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, two people died, 26 were reported injured and 28 people were rescued from the site by early afternoon.

Fourteen of the injured were admitted to hospital, including two with severe injuries.

Firefighters work at the scene of the explosion in Yanjiao, Hebei province on Wednesday. Photo: SCMP

The Sanhe emergency department said the municipal fire department had sent 36 vehicles and 154 personnel to the scene.

The broadcaster said authorities had not yet determined the specific cause of the explosion and the location where the explosion occurred, but that they confirmed the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

Regional supplier Taida Gas said in a statement it had suspended service in 50 surrounding areas.

The Sanhe emergency department chief told CCTV the gas service was likely to be restored on Wednesday night after security checks.

Seven shops at the explosion site were damaged and had to close.

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