2 killed, 2 injured in gas explosion in China's Hebei

Two people have died and another two were seriously injured after an explosion caused by a natural gas leak on Saturday at a shop in Hengshui, Hebei province, local authorities said, adding that five people had been put under control for related responsibility.

According to a preliminary investigation, the natural gas pipeline was damaged during the renovation work for local water pipes by the county's water company, which caused the explosion, according to the county's city management and comprehensive administrative law enforcement bureau.

The incident happened at around 10:13 am on Saturday at a shop in a street near Jinseyangguang Residential Community in Anping county, the bureau said. The fire caused by the explosion was put out at 11:20 am.

The two injured had been sent to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation and follow-up work are underway, it added.