On October 10, several netizens posted videos claiming that a fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in the Gulou district of Nanjing. In an official announcement later that afternoon, authorities confirmed that a flash explosion incident occurred in a resident’s home, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The videos show thick smoke billowing from the windows of the affected resident’s home, with visible flames burning inside the room as seen from neighboring buildings. Some netizens reported hearing a loud noise from the scene, despite living about a kilometer away.
In the afternoon of October 10, the Emergency Management Bureau of Gulou District in Nanjing reported that around 10:27 a.m., a flash explosion incident took place in a unit of Building 12 in Jinda Garden, resulting in the death of one resident and injuries to two others. The injured individuals have been taken to the hospital for treatment, and their vital signs are stable. Preliminary investigations and tests revealed that the flash explosion was caused by a gas leak within the unit, and the structural integrity of the building was not compromised.
This incident has sparked concerns on the internet regarding the safe use of gas appliances.
Local residents expressed their thoughts with one saying, “In the morning, I heard someone in the community mention a loud noise, little did I expect it to be a trending topic on Weibo in the afternoon. Everyone must pay attention to gas stove safety.” Another highlighted the need for compulsory installation of alarms and automatic shut-off valve equipment on natural gas pipelines due to the increasing cases of forgetfulness among elderly individuals suffering from dementia.
“Gas safety is a serious matter. A leak can lead to devastating consequences in an instant. Regular inspection of pipelines and valves in older communities is crucial. If you smell gas, open the windows and avoid turning on electrical appliances. This incident serves as a wake-up call for all families.” “Safety check is crucial and cannot be ignored.”
A flash explosion is a specific type of explosion that occurs when combustible gases accumulate to a certain concentration in a confined space and are ignited rapidly, resulting in a sudden and intense energy release. In gas-related accidents, flash explosions are often triggered by leaks, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance in daily gas usage.