A gas explosion ripped through a hotel in Zhuhai on Friday, but miraculously left only three people injured.
The blast happened at about 9 am in a crowded neighbourhood, according to a statement by the public security bureau in the city's Doumen district.
Video footage shot from a car showed onlookers watching smoke lick the outside of the building before the loud explosion and fireball sent witnesses scampering for cover.
About 55 firefighters were deployed and the fire was put out within an hour. Of the three people injured, two had minor injuries.
All occupants in the damaged buildings- which included shops and homes - were taken to safety and officials were investigating the cause of the blast, the local public security bureau said.