Eight killed in central China gas tank blast

The blast occurred at a grocery in Huilizhuang Village of Xiangcheng City.

At least eight people have been killed and an equal number injured in a gas tank explosion in central China's Henan Province, a local official said on Wednesday.

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The blast occurred at a grocery in Huilizhuang Village of Xiangcheng City. Initial investigation showed that the blast was caused by a gas leak when the grocery owner's minor son played with the valve of the gas tank, a city official said.

The eight injured are now out of danger, a hospital doctor said. The explosion levelled the grocery, also the owner's home, and two rooms of his neighbour.

Rescuers are searching for other possible victims in the ruins, the report said.