Nationwide safety campaign announced in response to tragic explosion

In the wake of a devastating gas explosion at a restaurant in northwest China, which resulted in 31 fatalities and left seven others injured, Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a nationwide safety campaign, as reported by ABC News.

Explosion occurred at popular local eatery ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

The catastrophic incident took place at a Fuyang Barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan, the capital of the traditionally Muslim Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

According to official sources, the explosion occurred at around 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, a period of increased foot traffic at such venues.

Victims were carried out of the establishment unconscious, with elderly people and high school students among those affected.

Gas leak suspected as cause of explosion, with prompt action demanded

It has been reported that employees noticed a smell of cooking gas an hour prior to the explosion and found a broken gas tank valve.

Unfortunately, the explosion took place while the valve was being replaced.

Following the incident, President Xi demanded urgent medical attention for those injured and called for a comprehensive safety overhaul.

He stated: “All regions and related departments should address all types of risks and hidden dangers” and emphasised the need to launch campaigns to promote workplace safety.

The deputy party chief of Yinchuan apologised to the city’s residents during a news conference on Thursday, acknowledging the gravity of the incident.

Authorities detain nine people, including restaurant owner and shareholders

In the aftermath of the incident, authorities detained nine individuals, among them the restaurant owner, shareholders, and employees. Furthermore, the assets of those implicated have been frozen.

Fuyang Barbecue is a popular local chain known for its grilled skewers and stir-fried dishes.

The particular establishment involved in the incident had a capacity of 20 people on the ground floor and also offered private dining rooms upstairs, with karaoke facilities.

China’s safety record under scrutiny as safety campaign launches

The explosion marks the latest in a series of industrial accidents that China has experienced, often attributed to lax government supervision, cost-cutting measures, and inadequate safety training for employees.

These incidents continue despite the central government pledging stronger safety measures following a 2015 explosion at a chemical warehouse in Tianjin that claimed 173 lives.

IFSJ Comment

In light of this, the safety campaign ordered by President Xi is more crucial than ever.

Only through a comprehensive overhaul and firm commitment to safety can such tragic incidents be prevented in the future.

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures, regular checks, and effective training for employees in the prevention of such accidents.

It serves as a stark reminder to all nations and industries of the human cost when safety protocols are overlooked or inadequately implemented.