THREE people were severely burnt in a gas explosion in a residential building in Longgang District on Sunday, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

According to a notice released by Yuanshan Subdistrict Office, the accident was caused by a gas leak. Three people were severely burnt and were sent to a hospital for treatment. Five others had soft tissue contusions and left the hospital after having their wounds treated.

A preliminary investigation found that the accident was caused by a family that had forgotten to turn off the gas in their kitchen, resulting in the gas leak and explosion. No open flame was found at the scene.

Residents were evacuated from the building. An emergency meeting was held to launch a gas safety inspection and to further promote safety instructions among residents using gas. (Zhang Yu)