Three killed in explosion at Rio de Janeiro restaurant

Three killed in explosion at Rio de Janeiro restaurant

2011-10-14 06:54:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

RIO DE JANEIRO (BNO NEWS) -- Three people were killed on early Thursday morning and 17 others were injured when a suspected gas explosion ripped through a restaurant in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, officials said.

The powerful blast happened early in the morning at a restaurant located in a building on Tiradentes Square in downtown Rio de Janeiro. According to the Fire Department, the facade of the building, which houses homes and businesses, was severely damaged, Agencia Brasil reported.

Public Security spokesman Colonel Lima Castro said after talking to witnesses that the explosion was likely caused by a leaking gas cylinder inside the restaurant. According to witnesses, the cook was the first person to enter the restaurant and turned on the lights, causing the blast.

The massive explosion threw the body of the cook up to 40 meters (130 feet) away and covered Tiradentes Square with broken glass and debris. Seventeen people were taken to a nearby hospital, including three people who are in serious condition, according to Agencia Brasil.

Police have cordoned off the site of the explosion as an investigation continues.

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