VIDEO: Deadly gas explosion in China kills 2, injures 26

A massive gas explosion at a restaurant in Sanhe, China on Wednesday has killed at least two people and injured 26 others.

According to state media CCTV, reported by AFP, the blast occurred due to a gas leak in a fried chicken shop. The injured have been taken to the hospital.

"An explosion occurred at the ground floor restaurant in an old residential area," CCTV said, adding that "the current situation of casualties is unknown". 

The explosion occurred just before 8am, less than 50 kilometres east of the capital, Beijing.

Videos of the incident showed a huge explosion followed by a ball of smoke and fire. Reportedly the building where the shop was located has completely collapsed, while cars parked nearby have also been destroyed.

As per local news sources, three buildings were severely damaged while one has been completely destroyed.

According to CCTV, local Langfang fire department quickly dispatched emergency vehicles and personnel to the area.

The Langfang fire department said, "The fire is currently under effective control, and rescue work is being carried out urgently."

As per an eye witness, she heard a loud bang and upon coming out from her shop to see the commotion, she reported that the building had caught fire and "the whole building was virtually destroyed".

In recent times, China has seen an increase in deadly incidents caused by gas leaks.

Last month, at least 15 people were killed and 44 injured in a fire at a residential building in the eastern city of Nanjing.

In January, dozens died after a fire broke out at a store in the central city of Xinyu.