In an unusual display of resistance, Chinese media outlets protested against police efforts to obstruct coverage of a suspected gas leak explosion at a restaurant in northern China, which resulted in the death of seven individuals and left 27 others injured.
The explosion, which occurred at a fried chicken shop in Yanjiao township near Beijing on Wednesday, is believed to have been triggered by a gas leak. However, as both Chinese state media and foreign journalists rushed to report on the incident, local authorities forcefully prevented them from accessing the scene, sparking a rare dispute over press restrictions in the country.
Footage circulated online depicted a journalist from state broadcaster CCTV being interrupted while reporting live from the site of the blast, with uniformed police officers obstructing the camera and raising concerns about potential hazards. Another video showed reporters being surrounded by a group of police officers and instructed to leave the area.
A journalist associated with the state-run China Media Group expressed dismay over the encounter, stating, "We three reporters are shoved by a dozen people."
The All China Journalists Association condemned the official crackdown, emphasizing that officials should not impede journalists in fulfilling their duties. They urged authorities to facilitate media coverage of emergencies rather than obstructing it.
The police's actions were perceived as an attempt by local officials to minimize media coverage of the incident, fearing potential repercussions. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued directives to address the recurrence of building fires and safeguard public safety and social stability.
After videos of the media protests circulated widely on social media platforms like Weibo, local authorities issued a statement expressing deep remorse and apologizing to the journalists.
The incident also drew attention during a Chinese foreign ministry briefing, where it was reported that several foreign journalists were prevented from covering the event. When questioned about the restrictions on journalists, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that local officials had addressed the matter. He reiterated China's commitment to facilitating lawful reporting activities for foreign journalists and offering assistance if needed.
The explosion adds to a series of fire-related incidents in China, prompting President Xi to call for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies. Recent incidents include a building fire in Nanning city last month, which claimed 15 lives, and another blaze in Xinyu city in January, resulting in 39 fatalities. These incidents underscore concerns about lax enforcement of safety standards in China, contributing to recurring tragedies like fatal fires.
