14 killed, 47 injured in explosion at restaurant in China

November 24, 2012 09:31 am | Updated 09:31 am IST - Beijing

At least fourteen people were killed and 47 others injured in an explosion at a restaurant in China’s northern Shanxi Province.

The explosion which took place on Friday night triggered a fire at the Xiyangyang (Happy Sheep) Hot Pot Restaurant in Shouyang County of Jinzhong City. Initial investigation showed the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

Investigators from the local county government said the injured, including 17 severely, were sent to hospital after the accident, state run Xinhua news agency reported.

Six people were killed on the spot and eight others died in hospital.

The powerful explosion shattered the windows of the two-storey restaurant and some neighbouring shops as far as 20 meters away.

Whereas, Iron gates of some shops were twisted by the force of the explosion.

Witnesses said that there was nothing unusual before the explosion happened.

“Suddenly, there was a big bang and the hot wave ensued,” said Yuan Heping, who was dining in the restaurant with his wife and friends when the explosion happened.

“The whole room was engulfed in black smoke and I had to use my sweater to cover my mouth before I managed to jump from the second-floor window,” Yuan, who suffered slight injuries, said.

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