A leaking liquefied gas container exploded on contact with a restaurant fire in eastern China, killing 17 people, authorities said.
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The dead students, aged 15 to 20, came from nearby schools. Three others including a father-son duo were also killed in the explosion.
Officials say numerous victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A gas cylinder at the private restaurant caught fire around noon Saturday at the first floor of a six-storey building in Wuhu City. Rescuers retrieved 17 bodies. They rented the restaurant more than two months ago to sell snacks, including fried noodles.
Owner Zhang Baoping, 38, and his wife – both of whom were injured – reportedly attempted to douse the flames before the explosion.
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More than 30 firefighters took part in rescue operations and an investigation into the tragedy is continuing.
