Sabotage ruled out in gas cylinder explosion in NW China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-05 20:05

LANZHOU - An investigation has ruled out the possibility of deliberate sabotage in the gas cylinder explosion that injured 10 in northwest China on Thursday.

Police and work safety authorities confirmed the blast to be an accident caused by a gas leakage from the LNG (liquified natural gas) cylinder joint.

A crack appeared on the 50 kg cylinder when a truck was transporting it in downtown Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, investigators said. The gas cylinders were not protected by rubber cushions as required.

The gas was diluted by wind when the truck was in motion and became concentrated when the vehicle stopped at a red light. The gas cylinder exploded when the vehicle began to move again at about 3:20 p.m..

The injured included three drivers, a bread shop owner, a customer in a nearby restaurant and three passers-by.

The truck driver suffered burns to 30 percent of his body and was in serious condition.

One woman was critically injured. Wang Guilan, 83, who was sitting near the accident scene, suffered burns to her face and respiratory organs.

Nearby trees were also scorched and shop signboards burned.