The blast happened at about 6:30 am civil time within the Zhangwan district of Shiyan city. Media reports said a market within the district was hard hit.
The blast happened at about 6:30 am civil time within the Zhangwan district of Shiyan city. Media reports said a market within the district was hard hit.
Eleven people were killed and 37 others injured within the explosion which has destroyed several buildings, state-run CGTN-TV reported.
Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that the explosion happened at the Yanhu market in Shiyan when many residents were having breakfast or buying vegetables within the market.
The city's municipal office initially said "many" people were trapped after the incident.
Images and video footages circulating on social media platform Weibo showed rescue workers working through the wreckage of flattened houses.
The explanation for the accident is under investigation.
