The city of Yinchuan in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region of China is still reeling from the tragic gas explosion that took place at the Fuyang Barbecue Restaurant on June 21, 2023. The explosion resulted in the loss of 31 lives and left seven individuals injured. Recently, the Chinese government revealed the findings of their investigation into the incident, shedding light on the factors that led to this devastating tragedy.
According to the investigation, the explosion was a result of several contributing factors. The illegal delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders that did not meet safety standards, the improper use of the cylinder by the restaurant, and the failure of local authorities to regulate the gas industry were all cited as causes of the explosion.
The investigation discovered that the gas cylinders were unlawfully delivered to the restaurant by a gas distribution company, and the cylinder itself had a dual valve for both liquid and gaseous fuels. Unfortunately, an employee at the restaurant mistakenly connected the gas regulator to the liquid valve, leading to a dangerous leak. Subsequently, the employee inadvertently exacerbated the issue by opening the valve wider, resulting in a significant amount of gas escaping and eventually igniting in the kitchen.
In addition to these findings, the investigation also revealed several safety violations at the restaurant, such as blocked fire exits and windows, which hindered the ability of people to escape the explosion.
Furthermore, the investigation pointed to inadequate regulation of the gas industry by local authorities, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future. The combination of these factors underscores the importance of adherence to safety standards and regulations to protect the lives and well-being of individuals in the community.