Major Chinese media are silent about an explosion that took place on Sunday near a food market in Shenyang in the northeastern province of Liaoning.

Multiple videos, apparently taken at the site of the explosion, have been posted on social media. They show injured people lying on the street, and a motorbike left on its side.

With local authorities not making any announcement on the explosion, the cause and the extent of damage are yet to be known.

Breaking news on the explosion posted on some media platforms were quickly deleted, apparently by Chinese authorities. Observers say the authorities are trying to suppress any social disturbance ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the food market for an inspection three days before the explosion occurred.