China: At least one person dead due to gas explosion in Jinping District, Shantou City, Guangdong Province, the morning of June 5

Event

A gas explosion occurred in a restaurant along Longyan South Road, Jinping District, Shantou City, Guangdong Province, at around 07:40 June 5. Local media indicate the incident has killed at least one person, and injured six others. The official casualty toll may increase in the coming hours. The blast also reportedly caused damage to the affected building and nearby properties. Investigation and clearance operations are ongoing.

Heightened security is likely to continue in the coming hours; localized business and transport disruptions are possible. Authorities may evacuate nearby buildings as a precaution as they investigate the cause of the accident.

Advice

Avoid the area until the situations stabilizes and authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the accident site. Heed instructions of authorities.