At least two people were killed and 26 were injured when an explosion destroyed a restaurant in Hebei province, badly damaging cars and leaving debris scattered on surrounding streets, state media reported on Wednesday.

The blast occurred just before 8am in Sanhe, about 80km from the capital, Beijing, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The explosion occurred at a fried chicken restaurant in Yanjiao, Sanhe, and is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, it added.

Earlier, the Langfang Fire Rescue Detachment said in a statement that an explosion and fire had occurred in a street shop near the intersection of Xueyuan Street and Yingbin Road in Xiaozhanggezhuang village.

The department said it dispatched 36 vehicles and 154 people to the scene, adding that the fire was under control and that rescue work was being carried out.

Videos circulating on social media showed a large orange fireball above the site, followed by thick plumes of grey smoke. The clips showed destroyed building facades, numerous mangled cars, and glass littering surrounding streets. (Xinhua, Reuters)
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Last updated: 2024-03-13 HKT 15:00