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A large explosion at a shopping complex in Luzhou caused serious damage and casualties over the weekend.
The blast was initially believed to be due to a natural gas leak. The most serious injuries were due to the force of the blast itself as well as debris from the explosion. So far there have been no reports of burn victims.
According to reports, the explosion originated from the first basement and quickly ripped through the first and second floor of the Mour shopping complex. It also blasted the neighboring employment building. The Luzhou Fire Department estimates the blast area to be 18,000 square meters.
Hangyang district officials say that one of the casualties has already checked out of the hospital, two more are in critical condition and three more are seriously injured. Thirty three people have also suffered light injuries.
The Explosion
From photographs of the scene, it can be seen that the blast caused serious damage. The street outside the shopping complex is littered with debris and broken glass and a taxi has been destroyed. Witnesses say the explosion occurred while a natural gas line was being worked on, and suspected this to be the cause of the accident.
According to Sichuan Online, one worker at a nearby movie theater said "There was some banging, then a huge noise. The entire building shook, afterward everybody just went running. The restaurant at the department store was having some natural gas lines worked on that's probably the cause."
A supermarket worker close to the scene said "I was working overtime moving some stock when we heard a banging, then a large noise. Our manager ran outside and everyone just ran for cover. It was so dangerous... It was the restaurant across the street, working on their gas line."
By 3:30 A.M. firefighters had put out the fire, but according to reporters on the scene, smoke was still coming from the blast site. At 10 AM all the flames were finally put out.
According to reports, besides the shopping plaza, nearby businesses were also severely damaged including many stores, a hotel and a movie theater.
