Gas blast kills 1, injures 7 in Xi'an

A gas blast killed one and injured 7 on Monday morning in a residential building in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.

The blast occurred at about 6:50 am in an apartment on the 25th floor of the building. The blast caused a fire, which was extinguished by firefighters at about 8:25 am.

Firefighters confirmed that one person was killed and the injured were immediately rushed to a hospital.

According to witnesses, the blast happened in the apartment used by the building's property management company where 7 to 9 security guards lived.

A resident, surnamed Qu, who lived in a nearby building said that she was one of the first people to call the police and firefighters.

She said she heard a huge explosion and saw flames and thick smoke come from the building.

Initial findings point to a gas leak and the blast damaged floors 16 to 29.

The injured were in stable condition in hospital.