Blast kills 1, injures many in residential area

One person was confirmed dead and another was severely injured in an explosion in a residential community in Meihekou, Jilin province, on Tuesday, China Central Television reported.

Another 15 people received minor injuries, the report said.

After a preliminary investigation, authorities suspected that the explosion was caused by improper use of gas by residents.

The blast occurred at 6:45 am. Fire and emergency management departments were on-site to handle the situation, according to a report in Jimu News, a news portal of Chutian Metropolis Daily in Hubei province.

An online video published by Jimu showed that part of the building had collapsed and the windows of some nearby buildings were damaged.

An investigation is ongoing.