Chinese city blast: residents forced to leave homes and abandon pets as clean-up work starts

At least five people were killed in the explosion caused by a gas leak in Shenyang, which left a number of homes uninhabitable

People were evacuated in a hurry and have been banned from returning home, even to collect clothing, medication or their pets

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An abandoned dog whose owner was hospitalised in the blast refuses to leave to the scene despite the cold weather. Photo: Luna Sun

Amber Wangin ShenyangandLuna Sunin Shenyang

Published: 7:54pm, 22 Oct 2021Updated: 10:19pm, 22 Oct 2021

Residents in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang are still waiting to hear when they can return home after a deadly gas explosion that killed at least four people.

The blast at a mixed-use residential building near the centre of the Liaoning provincial capital on Thursday morning shattered windows and blew away walls and doors, leaving several nearby buildings uninhabitable.

On Friday evening, the authorities said the death toll had risen to five, while the condition of two of the three seriously injured had improved. At least 44 more people sustained minor injuries.

Some buildings were badly damaged in the blast. Photo: Simon Song

The injured were treated at several nearby hospitals. A nurse from the Liaoning Electric Power Centre Hospital said that patients who suffered minor injuries had been discharged on Thursday, but did not disclose the number.

Residents whose homes were damaged in the blast in Taiyuan South Street were evacuated in a hurry and have not been allowed back into their homes, even to pick up their belongings or pets.