In response to a devastating cooking gas explosion that occurred at a barbecue restaurant in northwest China, resulting in the death of 31 individuals and injuring seven others on the eve of a long holiday weekend, China’s president has issued a national safety campaign on Thursday.

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, engulfing the restaurant situated on a bustling street in Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, known for its Muslim population, WJTV reported.

The incident took place as people gathered in preparation for the Dragon Boat Festival, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency.

According to The Paper, an online news site, numerous individuals were rendered unconscious by the blast, necessitating their rescue from the establishment.

Among the victims were elderly individuals and high school students.

Written by staff