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Authorities survey the damage in Hengshan, Yulin, Shaanxi province, where a public toilet exploded and collapsed on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Handout

One killed, seven hurt after public toilet explodes and collapses in China

Blast was triggered by build-up of sewer gas, authorities say

One person was killed and seven injured when a build-up of gas in sewer pipes caused a public toilet to explode in northwestern China on New Year’s Eve.

The blast in Hengshan district in Yulin, Shaanxi province, caused the toilet to collapse, news portal Cnwest.com reported.

The blast was triggered by an accumulation of explosive organic waste, which could have included methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, local authorities said.

None of the seven injured people suffered life-threatening injuries.

Authorities at the scene of the blast. Photo: Handout

By Monday, two had been discharged from hospital, while the remaining five were still receiving treatment for injuries including fractures and bruising.

Officials were investigating the matter, the report said.

Many public toilets in China are still basically pits exposed to the open air. But many local authorities have been spending heavily on the renovation of substandard public toilets as part of economic improvements.

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