The explosion occurred in Shaanxi province, northwestern China. The force of the blast destroyed many buildings, including a hospital. Rescue efforts continued throughout last night.
 |
| Houses collapsed after the explosion - Photo: China Daily |
According to Xinhua News Agency, the explosion occurred yesterday afternoon, October 24th, at a prefabricated house located in a densely populated residential area of Xinmin city. The explosion destroyed several nearby buildings, including the city hospital.
Local authorities have confirmed that at least 10 people died and 157 were injured in the explosion. Throughout last night, rescue workers sifted through the rubble to find survivors and determine the cause of the blast.
Many high-ranking city officials were present to oversee the rescue operation. There were power outages during the night, but the rescue efforts continued.
The cause of the incident is still unclear, but Chinese online news sites report that illegally stockpiled explosives caused the explosion.
Earlier in 2015, a chemical warehouse exploded at Tianjin port, killing 173 people. Subsequent investigations revealed that the warehouse was operating without a license.
 |
| Rescue efforts continued throughout last night - Photo: Xinhua |
 |
| Rescue workers at the scene of the explosion - Photo: Getty Images |
 |
| Images from the scene of the explosion were shared on Chinese social media - Photo: Weibo |
 |
| Images from the scene of the explosion were shared on Chinese social media - Photo: Weibo |
 |
| Images from the scene of the explosion were shared on Chinese social media - Photo: Weibo |
 |
| Many buildings were destroyed, including the city hospital - Photo: Weibo |
 |
| Rescue workers brought in excavators to dig through the rubble - Photo: China Daily |
 |
| Investigators are working to determine the cause of the explosion - Photo: Reuters |
According to Tuoi Tre newspaper
