Two people were killed and 55 injured when an explosion tore through a busy restaurant in the Chinese city of Hangzhou on July 21.

The explosions were believed to have been caused by gas cylinders, according to local media.

Fire engulfed the restaurant sending plumes of smoke into the air.

Windows were blown out and the street was littered with debris.

Passengers on a nearby bus were caught in the blast.

Twelve were reported to be in a serious condition.

Two people have been killed and 55 others injured in a gas blast in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday morning, according to local police.

The sudden blast occurred after 08:30 at a noodle restaurant in a residential community, resulting in a heavy fire and shattering windows of nearby vehicles. More than 20 passengers on a bus that was in range of the blast were injured.

Among the injured, 12 people sustained severe injuries.

Firefighters were quick to respond and have since put out the blaze. Local police have cordoned off the area and imposed traffic control nearby.