China: Two killed, many injured in restaurant explosion

An explosion ripped through a restaurant in China's Hebei province, killing two people and injuring 26 more, state media reported Wednesday.

The explosion occurred around 8 a.m. (0000 GMT) Wednesday in Sanhe, a city about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the capital Beijing, state broadcaster CCTV News reported.

The injured were taken to the hospital, CCTV said. The explosion occurred at a fried chicken restaurant and is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, the broadcaster reported.

Devastating explosion

Earlier, the local Langfang fire department said it had sent 36 vehicles and 154 people to the scene, adding that the fire was under control and rescue efforts were underway.

Videos posted on social media platform Weibo showed a large orange fireball over the site. It was followed by thick plumes of gray smoke.

The video clips showed shattered building facades, dozens of mangled cars, and glass scattered on surrounding streets. Some objects were burning.