Seven injured people stable after deadly restaurant explosion in Northwest China

YINCHUAN - The seven people who were injured in a deadly explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region have stable vital signs after receiving medical treatment, local health authorities said on Thursday.

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 pm on Wednesday on a busy street in Xingqing district in the regional capital of Yinchuan, when liquefied petroleum gas leaked from the restaurant.

The explosion killed 31 people and injured seven. Six of those injured, including one individual in critical condition, are hospitalized and have stable vital signs, and one individual with minor injuries left the hospital after receiving treatment on Wednesday night.

Public security authorities have taken control of nine individuals, including the restaurant's manager, shareholders and employees. Assets of the nine people have been frozen.

Verification of the identities of the deceased is underway. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.