Crews from Liaoning Fire Department inspect the accident site Thursday following an explosion that ripped through buildings on Taiyuannan street in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning province. Photo: Courtesy of Liaoning Fire Department

Smoke gushes from a building to the street in Shenyang around 8:20 a.m. Thursday. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

Residents run away from the site of the explosion. The accident killed at least three and injured over 30 as of Thursday noon. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

A total of three floors of a mixed-use building are shattered during the explosion. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

A damaged bus is seen at the site Thursday after the blast. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

Debris from damaged buildings hit multiple parked cars. Photo: Courtesy of Liaoning Fire Department

Police personnel guide residents on a nearby crossing, where a damaged bus can be seen. Photo: VCG

Authorities closed roads leading to the area Thursday after the explosion. Photo: VCG