The explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan, China, which resulted in 31 fatalities on June 21, was determined to be caused by the misuse of illegally manufactured Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders.
An investigation led by the State Council revealed that the distributor provided cylinders with two valves, suitable for both liquid and gaseous fuels, whereas safety regulations mandated the use of cylinders with only a valve for gaseous fuel. The restaurant staff, in violation of safety regulations, mistakenly connected the gas regulator to the liquid valve. Attempts to repair a gas leak on the day of the incident led to an unintentional release of a large amount of gas, which, when mixed with air, ignited upon contact with a kitchen fire, causing the tragic explosion.
