Thirty-one people were killed in a gas leak explosion at Fuyang Barbecue, a popular restaurant in Yinchuan, the capital of China’s northern Ningxia region, on Wednesday night. Seven more people were injured. The explosion occurred while a gas tank’s valve was being replaced. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to extinguish the resulting blaze. Photos from the scene show the front of the restaurant mangled and debris on the ground. In the wake of the incident, Yinchuan city government has suspended the operation of all BBQ restaurants and night markets in the city.

Nine people have been detained in connection with the incident, and the establishment’s assets have been frozen. Sixty-four neighboring households have been temporarily settled at a nearby hotel. China’s leader Xi Jinping has called for all efforts to be made to treat the wounded and strengthen safety oversight in the area of the explosion. A national analysis of gas-related accidents in 2022 found that 450 liquid propane gas leak accidents resulted in 45 deaths and 294 injuries.

The explosion has prompted people to wonder whether it will put a damper on a recent trend of dining at barbecue restaurants that has swept the country, or prompt government oversight of such venues. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of proper safety measures. Gas leaks can be deadly and should not be taken lightly. It is essential that restaurants and other businesses take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their customers and workers.