11 killed, 37 injured in gas explosion in China
New Delhi: A gas pipe exploded in the Zhangwan district of Shiyan city, in Hubei province at about 6:30 am local time on Sunday , according to the official news agency Xinhua.
At least 11 people were killed and 37 others seriously injured in a huge gas explosion, official media reported.
Images are circulating on social media, which appeared to be from the scene, showed rescue workers in orange jumpsuits working through the wreckage of flattened houses, reported CNN.
#UPDATES At least 11 killed, 37 seriously injured when gas line explosion rips through residential compound in China's Hubei province
Rescue efforts continuing, government in Shiyan city says, adding at least 144 pulled from badly damaged market building
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 13, 2021
Authorities did not provide details on the number of people trapped or whether anyone was killed.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, according to the city government, which said on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo that it is organising rescue efforts.
The Shiyan explosion came a day after eight people died and three others were injured when toxic methyl formate leaked from a vehicle at a chemical handling facility in the southwestern city of Guiyang.
