BEIJING/YINCHUAN, Ninxia – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged all-out efforts to rescue the injured in a gas explosion that occurred in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region the previous day, leaving at least 31 dead.

The blast took place at around 8:40 pm on Wednesday at a barbecue restaurant in Xingqing district and caused a fire. The flames had been put out by 9:20 pm.

By 2 am the following day, 38 people had been found and sent to a local hospital for medical treatment. Thirty-one of them passed away despite receiving treatment. The remaining seven individuals were receiving medical treatment, local authorities said on Thursday.

ALSO READ: 9 dead, 1 injured, 1 missing in east China explosion

Verification of the identities of the deceased was underway. 

Local authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Assets of the nine people, including the owner, shareholders and staffers of the restaurant, have been frozen after public security authorities took control of them

Public security authorities meanwhile have taken control of nine individuals, including the owner, shareholders and staffers of the barbecue restaurant.

According to relevant departments of the regional government, the assets of the nine people have been frozen.

In his instruction, President Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged more efforts to ensure the safety of the people's lives and property.

He urged efforts to ascertain the cause of the accident as soon as possible and hold the relevant people accountable in accordance with the law.

READ MORE: 4 killed in fireworks explosion in north China's Hebei

All regions and related departments should screen for and rectify all types of risks and hidden dangers, said the Chinese leader.

This screengrab made from news footage shows rescuers working near a barbecue restaurant in Xingqing district in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China, on June 22, 2023.

Relevant departments should launch a campaign to promote workplace safety at an early date and enhance safety overhaul of key sectors and industries, he added.

Under Xi's instruction, a work group composed of several central government organs has been sent to the scene to guide the rescue efforts.

With inputs from Xinhua