Two people were killed and 13 others injured, all with minor wounds, following an explosion at a shop in Benxi, Liaoning province, on Friday morning, local fire authorities said.

The blast is suspected to have been caused by a liquefied gas tank leak, according to a statement released by the city's fire and rescue bureau.

Forty-two firefighters and eight fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. The fire was quickly brought under control. Two people were found dead at the scene, and the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.