LP gas leaking from outside was identified as the cause of the explosion at a restaurant in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju.
Cheongju Seobu Fire Station held an on-site briefing on the 13th and said the early-morning blast was "presumed to have been caused by the explosion of an LP gas cylinder."
According to fire authorities, about half of the 180-kg LP gas cylinders behind the Chinese restaurant where the explosion occurred appear to have leaked. When authorities arrived at the scene, a small amount of gas was still leaking.
An official at Cheongju Seobu Fire Station said, "It appears the gas was inside the restaurant and ignited when it came into contact with an electrical spark near an outlet."
The accident, which occurred at 4 a.m. that day, caused property damage including shattered windows at 105 apartments in a nearby complex, 16 commercial units, 10 dwellings, and 91 vehicles. Fifteen nearby residents also suffered cuts to their faces from broken glass.
Fire authorities are conducting a joint inspection with related agencies, including police and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, to determine the cause of the fire.