Guangxi concrete courtyard explodes during family barbecue

A family of seven narrowly escaped injury in Hezhou, Guangxi, when a concrete courtyard exploded during a barbecue on October 2. The incident occurred because charcoal was placed directly on the cement surface without a grill or insulation.

The explosion caused the ground to burst open, creating a crater and sending hot charcoal, wire mesh, and cement fragments flying up to two meters high. One family member suffered minor singed hair, but no serious injuries or disfigurements were reported as the group managed to dodge the debris.

Firefighting experts explained that the explosion was caused by the rapid vaporization of moisture trapped within the concrete. As the intense heat from the charcoal heated the internal water, it expanded up to 1,700 times its original volume. Because the gas could not escape the dense structure, pressure built up until the surface ruptured like a landmine.

Authorities have issued safety warnings, advising against placing hot coals directly on cement, tiles, or river stones. They recommend using professional grills with high legs or placing a layer of sand or heat-resistant mats on the ground before setting up a barbecue.