Suspect identified in China kindergarten explosion; 8 killed
BEIJING — A suspect has been identified in an explosion at the front gate of a kindergarten in eastern China and the death toll rose to eight from the blast that struck as relatives were picking up their children at the end of the day, Chinese state media reported Friday.
Police were investigating the explosion as a criminal act and said they had “targeted” a suspect, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. It was unclear if the suspect was apprehended and no potential motive was provided. A witness cited by state media said a gas cylinder at a roadside food stall had caused the blast.
Two people died at the scene and six died after being taken to a hospital following the explosion at 4:50 p.m. Thursday at the Chuangxin Kindergarten in Fengxian, according to local authorities and Xinhua.
Initial reports said 59 were injured, but Xinhua and other media reported Friday that 65 were injured including eight who remained in critical condition.