Debris is scattered across a street after an explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, tore through a three-story commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, around 4 a.m. on Monday. (Yonhap)
Debris is scattered across a street after an explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, tore through a three-story commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, around 4 a.m. on Monday. (Yonhap)

Fifteen people were injured in an early-morning explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, at a restaurant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on Monday, officials said.

The blast occurred around 4 a.m. on the first floor of a three-story commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong. All businesses in the building were closed at the time.

The scene of an explosion at a three-story commercial building in Cheongju after a suspected gas leak early Monday morning. (Yonhap)
The scene of an explosion at a three-story commercial building in Cheongju after a suspected gas leak early Monday morning. (Yonhap)
A car lies overturned on a street near the building where an explosion occurred in Cheongju on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
A car lies overturned on a street near the building where an explosion occurred in Cheongju on Monday morning. (Yonhap)

Eight residents in nearby homes were taken to hospitals with cuts and lacerations caused by shattered glass, while seven others sustained minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, according to fire authorities.

The explosion overturned vehicles and shattered windows in surrounding buildings, sending debris across the area and prompting residents to evacuate.

Fire officials said they were focusing on a possible gas leak and were investigating the cause of the blast and the extent of the damage.

Windows of a nearby apartment unit are seen shattered after an explosion at a commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on April 13, 2026. (Newsis)
Windows of a nearby apartment unit are seen shattered after an explosion at a commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on April 13, 2026. (Newsis)
The site of an explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, at a commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on April 13. (Newsis)
The site of an explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, at a commercial building in Bongmyeong-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on April 13. (Newsis)

milaya@heraldcorp.com