CHINA: A major explosion shook a town in northern China on Wednesday, causing devastation in Hebei province. The blast, which occurred in Sanhe city, claimed one life and left 22 others injured, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The explosion took place within a residential area, situated less than 50 kilometers east of the nation's capital, Beijing. Authorities swiftly responded to the incident, with the Langfang fire department mobilizing 36 emergency vehicles and 154 personnel to the scene. Currently, efforts are focused on controlling the fire and conducting urgent rescue operations.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos capturing the dramatic scene, showing thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfing the area during the busy morning rush hour.
China has faced numerous incidents of explosions and fires attributed to inadequate safety standards and enforcement. Just last month, a fire in a residential building in Nanjing resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, with 44 others sustaining injuries. Similarly, in January, a blaze erupted in a store's basement in Xinyu, claiming several lives due to the unauthorized use of fire.
In November of the previous year, a tragic fire at a coal company office in Shanxi province resulted in 26 fatalities and numerous hospitalizations. Additionally, in June, an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwest China led to 31 deaths, prompting nationwide efforts to bolster workplace safety measures.
Authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations into the latest explosion in Hebei province, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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