More than 20 injured in blast at tunnel construction site in western China

[HigherGround]

More than 20 injured in blast at tunnel construction site in western China

Two people said to be seriously hurt, initial reports say

PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 24 February, 2015, 5:32pm
UPDATED : Tuesday, 24 February, 2015, 6:10pm

[email protected]

Dust rising from the scene of the explosion in Sichuan. Photo: SCMP Pictures

More than 20 people were injured in an explosion at a tunnel under construction in western Sichuan province in China.

The blast occured near the Luodai Ancient Town near Chengdu, a popular tourist destination, at about 1.20 pm on Tuesday, the China News Service reported.

Photographs circulating on social media, uploaded by witnesses, show a cloud of debris and smoke rising above the hill behind the town.

One witness said large amounts of dust had fallen on people and vehicles, the report said.

The blast also caused serious damage to a nearby temporary dormitory for workers.

A member of staff at a local hospital told the Sichuan Daily that more than 20 people had been sent to hospital by ambulance so far.

Two suffered relatively serious injuries, while others had minor cuts and bruises.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that 15 of the injured had been named and were aged between 14 to 50.

Villagers near the site have been evacuated from their homes.