Explosion at Shop in Benxi, Liaoning Kills 2 and Injures 13

An explosion at a street-level commercial shop in Benxi, Liaoning Province, has killed two people and injured 13 others, according to the Benxi Fire Rescue Bureau. The blast, which occurred early Friday morning, is suspected to have been caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank leak.

Incident Details

The explosion occurred shortly before 7:00 AM local time on June 5 at a shop measuring approximately 35 square meters on Pingshan Road in the Pingshan District of Benxi, as Xinhua News Agency reported. The Benxi Fire Rescue Bureau command center received the alarm and immediately dispatched 42 firefighters and eight fire trucks to the scene.

Upon arrival, emergency responders extinguished a small-area open flame and conducted search-and-rescue operations. Two trapped individuals were recovered from the site but were confirmed to have no vital signs. Thirteen people sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Secondary Damage

According to Phoenix News, a passing public bus was caught in the blast. The explosion shattered the bus’s windows and damaged its bodywork. The affected section of Pingshan Road was placed under traffic control following the incident. Eyewitnesses posted videos of the scene on social media platforms, showing debris scattered across the road and emergency personnel working at the site.

Emergency Response

The Pingshan District Fire Rescue Brigade confirmed receiving the alarm shortly before 7:00 AM, with firefighters arriving soon afterward to begin firefighting and rescue operations. The Benxi Fire Rescue Bureau published its official police bulletin during the late morning via its WeChat public account, providing the first comprehensive account of the incident. Xinhua News Agency published its report shortly afterward, followed by CCTV, People’s Daily, and other major outlets.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though authorities have identified a suspected LPG tank leak as the likely trigger. The specific type of shop has not been disclosed, nor have the identities of the deceased and injured been released.

Broader Context

LPG tank explosions in commercial and residential settings are a recurring safety concern in China. Small restaurants and shops commonly use LPG tanks for cooking, and accidents involving leaks and explosions have prompted periodic safety campaigns and inspections by authorities at both local and national levels. Benxi, a prefecture-level city in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, is an industrial hub known primarily for its iron and steel production. The Pingshan District serves as a commercial and residential center within the city.

What to Watch For

Local authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the exact cause of the leak and explosion. Further details regarding the victims, the type of establishment involved, and any safety violations found may emerge in the coming days. The incident is likely to renew attention on LPG safety regulations in commercial premises across China.