Refer China: After Gas Explosion Disfigures Model, She Builds New Life as。。。

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In a profound story of resilience, Tong Shiyao, a 27-year-old model and make-up artist from Liaoning province, has reinvented herself as a social media influencer after a devastating gas explosion left her and her parents severely burned. Her journey of recovery, shared openly online, has resonated deeply with a national audience.

A model and make-up artist survived a gas explosion at her home in which she suffered 14 per cent burns and her parents were severely injured. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Before suffering terrible burns in the blast, Tong Shiyao broadcast make-up videos online.

The tragedy struck on the night of March 31 when a gas leak in their home ignited after her father lit a cigarette. The resulting explosion injured the entire family. Tong sustained second-degree burns over 14% of her body. Her parents faced life-threatening injuries, each suffering second to third-degree burns covering more than 70% of their bodies, requiring intensive care.

Tong is still recovering from her injuries but always puts on a brave face for her parents. Photo: Handout

Five months on, her parents are now out of critical condition, and Tong has made significant progress in her own recovery. She has pivoted from creating makeup tutorials to documenting her family's rehabilitation, a shift that provides her with purpose and has become a crucial source of income for the family. "I used to feel I was just a child. It is like I have grown up overnight," Tong reflected.

Tong helps her father put on a special mask which helps him recover from the severe burns he suffered to his face. Photo: Handout

The whole family has stuck together throughout their harrowing ordeal. Photo: Handout

With her hands still recovering, she is unable to return to her work as a make-up artist. The family has already spent over one million yuan (US$140,000) on medical bills, exhausting their savings and accruing debt. In this time of need, her online community has become a lifeline. Her social media following has swelled to 190,000, with 170,000 new followers joining after the accident, many offering donations and support.

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Tong has also begun endorsing products, including fire extinguishers, using her platform to raise public awareness about fire safety. She notes that the family's gas tank had been replaced less than a month before the incident. However, the seller has denied responsibility, and the lack of a final investigation report from local authorities has stalled their pursuit of compensation.

Through it all, Tong remains her parents' primary caregiver, consciously maintaining an optimistic front for them. Her strength is further bolstered by the steadfast support of her boyfriend, a detail that has moved many followers.

Online, comments pour in wishing her family strength and a full recovery. "Burn injuries are one of the most painful. I wish you the best of luck getting through this," wrote one supporter. Another praised her character, saying, "She is such a great person, remaining optimistic and strong despite her misfortune."

Source:

Editor: Crystal H

Refer China

After Gas Explosion Disfigures Model, She Builds New Life as。。。

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