The Deflagration Accident Disposal Headquarters of Hebei Province, China, issued a statement on Thursday apologizing for blocking media correspondents from reporting on an explosion that occurred in a four-story building located in Hebei Province, near Beijing, China, while pledging to actively establish a robust communication platform with the media and protect journalists’ rights.

Following the Wednesday explosion, the building collapsed, resulting in significant damage to many vehicles on-site. Moreover, the force of the explosion generated a shock wave, which shattered nearly all the glass on its lower floors. The incident resulted in seven fatalities and 27 injuries. According to the Investigation Team, the preliminary assessment indicates that the cause of the explosion was likely a gas pipeline leak.

According to a video posted on social media, state-run media correspondents were blocked from reporting on the incident by several men. The Chinese Journalists Association stated that legitimate reporting is the right of journalists and should not be obstructed in a crude and violent manner to control public opinion. The Deflagration Accident Disposal Headquarters acknowledged that frontline staff lack communication skills, leading to the forceful removal of journalists during reporting, and pledged to improve relevant operational mechanisms.

Article 35 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China stipulates that citizens of China shall enjoy the freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, procession and demonstration. Furthermore, according to Article 41 of the Constitution, citizens of China shall have the right to criticize and make suggestions regarding any state organization or employee.