An elderly woman was killed and eight others were injured in an explosion early Friday at a residential building in Beijing, said local authorities.
The explosion occurred at around 5:30 a.m. in an apartment on the ground floor of a building at Zuojiazhuangbeili community in Chaoyang District, said the city's fire-fighting authorities.
Rescuers found the elderly woman at about 8:10 a.m. during a search at the site and sent her to a nearby hospital. She later died in the hospital despite emergency treatment.
All of the injured have been sent to the hospital, with one person in serious condition but no life-threatening injuries.
Residents said they heard an explosion and felt a shock. Window glass was broken and some cars nearby were damaged.
Investigation into the incident and rescue work are under way.