The Gas Pipe Explosion in China

Previously published December 10, 2021.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18kQqkYMcv7mGTcxWhPkRyVaP4R3dygzx/view (shocked cat video—volume warning!!)

On October 21, in the city of Shenyang, the capital city of the Liaoning province, China, a large gas pipe explosion occurred in a restaurant at 8:20 AM CST. According to Global Times, a total of five people were killed and over 40 were injured. After the explosion, local residents were evacuated from the area, and hotel rooms were arranged for all evacuees. Online videos showcased roads filled with rubble and wrecked buildings, as well as a very shocked cat that was awoken from its slumber by the shock of the explosion and jumped up straight into the air (these types of videos were widely circulated throughout WeChat, so it is difficult to trace the sources). Nearby power lines were damaged by the explosion, causing a power outage to around 15,000 nearby houses.

This accident blew up on Chinese social media platforms, such as Weibo and WeChat, and many expressed their condolences. Many also questioned whether or not a large-scale inspection of gas pipe safety was necessary due to repeated gas explosions in China. Just earlier this year, an even more devastating gas explosion occurred in a local residential community, and took the lives of 27 people, as well as injuring 138 more. Eight employees of that gas company, including the company’s general manager, were arrested due to the company’s negligence in inspecting the company’s gas pipelines in accordance with government regulations. There were also problems with the equipment the company used. The issues with China’s gas system are becoming increasingly apparent, with more incidents relating to it occurring every year. Perhaps a large-scale inspection, like many Chinese netizens suggested, truly is necessary.

Sources

Xiaoci, Deng. “Update: Five Killed in Restaurant Gas Explosion in Liaoning.” Global Times, 21 Oct. 2021, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202110/1236899.shtml, Accessed: 21 Oct. 2021
“8 Employees from Gas Company Arrested after Gas Explosion in Central China City Kills 25 and Injures 138.” Global Times, 21 Oct. 2021, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1226491.shtml, Accessed: 21 Oct. 2021