Hot pot restaurant blast raises safety concerns

An explosion ripped through a busy hot pot restaurant belonging to the Xiyangyang chain on Friday killing at least 14 people and injuring 47 others in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province. The blast was triggered by a leaking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canister, which the restaurant used for cooking.

On November 18, a similar accident occurred in a Beijing restaurant near the East Fourth Ring Road that resulted in a customer suffering severe burns. Hot pot, one of the most popular forms of cuisine during winter nationwide, predominantly uses electric, gas or induction cooktops.

Despite being risky, many restaurants still use LPG or alcohol-fueled stoves. Are Web users worried about the dangers of eating hot pot? What action should be taken to prevent such accidents happening again?

@Shenzhi Baoliao: Winter is the time to eat hot pot. But LPG, the major heating source for cooking, is highly inflammable if gas leaks. For safety concerns, diners should eat at hot pot restaurants that use coal-fired or induction cooktops and avoid eating at places that still use LPG.

@Laotao 99: Years ago in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, a hydrogen gas canister leaked triggering a blast at one restaurant and a coal-fired cooker blew up at another one. Fortunately, only three people were injured in those incidents. In addition to LPG, three different fuels all caused explosions. Authorities should inspect canisters in restaurants nationwide.

@6eat.com: The blast made huge news and is a nightmare for the hospitality industry. A lot of people are concerned for their safety while dining at hot pot restaurants now. Measures should be taken to assure the safety of gas canisters. It is even better if they are replaced with induction ovens, as suggested by some citizens. But this would inevitably increase the cost of eating hot pot.

@Shu Xinping: The Shanxi blast was not just an accident. The restaurant was probably breaching other safety regulations that led to the blast. For example, production standards as well as transportation and recycling of LPG canisters were probably unlawful. The number of tables and diners in the restaurant was also probably over the limit. Regulation of restaurants should ensure strict standards are met.

@CRM Yangkang: This blast again rings alarm bells over the use of LPG in restaurants, but should it be banned altogether? People die in car accidents each year, but does this mean driving should be banned?

@Guitar in the Rain: Such accidents could happen in other places in the country if no further action to ensure diners' safety is taken by the government.

@Rice and sunshine: I want to live longer, so I am going to avoid dining at such restaurants in the future! I will go to hot pot restaurants with electronic cooktops or make hot pot at home.