Chinatown Market in Sydney
Chinatown Market (Sydney) Google Maps

Sydney’s Chinatown witnessed a massive explosion on Tuesday night which injured more than 12 adults and two children. The incident took place on the corner of Little Hay Street and Sussex Street in Haymarket around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday. A gas main exploded in the loading dock of a food court where around 200 people were having their dinner.

Seven out of the total number of people injured were taken to the hospital. The victims who were taken to the hospital, including a child, mainly suffered with lacerations. The toddler was struck by the metal debris from the flying roller door. Most of the others were bruised and suffered from minor burns.

“Now 12 adults and two children were injured and injuries were consistent with lacerations,” Fire and Rescue Superintendent Paul Jonstone told The Huffington Post Australia.

The people who were present during the explosion became extremely scared as the blast shattered doors and windows. They claimed that the sound of the blast was similar to that of the rumbling sound of a thunder.

Investigators are trying to find out what caused the explosion. Luckily, the surrounding buildings in that area have not suffered from any kind of damages. NSW fire brigade inspector Norm Buckley said that such an explosion could have taken more lives and that it was very fortunate that none of the people got killed.

The gas main has been shut down by the gas company and crews are present to ensure that no further gas leakages take place. Local people are expecting to return to the building very soon.