An explosion, possibly caused by a gas leak, has taken place at a restaurant in China's northern province of Hebei. Local officials say two people were killed and 26 injured.

The blast occurred in a shopping district in Langfang shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, local time.

State-run broadcaster CCTV reported that the explosion caused a fire, and that the four-story building housing the restaurant collapsed.

Footage aired by CCTV shows a large column of smoke rising, with flames engulfing vehicles parked nearby.

Smoke still filled the area three hours after the blast as firefighters tried to put out the blaze.

Damage was also reported at a housing complex about 100 meters away. Glass was broken and window frames came off buildings.

Firefighting authorities are investigating the incident.