Gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in China kills 31, 9 detained

Yinchuan: A tragic gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan, northwest China, has claimed the lives of at least 31 people, with seven others sustaining injuries.

The explosion, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, occurred on Wednesday night.

Nine individuals, including the restaurant owner, have been detained in connection with the incident.

The explosion took place on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, a time when families and friends traditionally gather for festive meals.

Among the victims were high school students and retirees.

The death toll is expected to rise as the rescue operation continues.

President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the cause of the blast.

The Fuyang Barbecue Restaurant is situated in a complex of eateries and entertainment venues in downtown Yinchuan.

Distressing footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed firefighters battling the blaze while smoke billowed from the restaurant's shattered façade.

Area was strewn with shattered glass and debris.

More than 100 personnel and 20 vehicles from the fire and rescue services were dispatched to the scene.

Rescue operation will last until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Preliminary findings by the fire department suggest that an employee had detected a gas leak and was replacing a broken valve on a liquefied gas tank moments before the explosion occurred.