5 dead, 6 missing in chemical plant explosion in Eastern China

International

A LARGE EXPLOSION at a chemical plant in Gaomi city, Shandong province, left at least five people dead and six others missing on Tuesday, local officials reported.

The blast released thick plumes of gray and orange smoke that soared into the sky, shattered windows of nearby buildings, and prompted an extensive rescue operation.

State roadcaster CCTV said the explosion took place just before noon local time inside a workshop at Shandong Youdao Chemical. Authorities have not yet determined the cause.

In addition to the fatalities, 19 people sustained minor injuries, according to local authorities.

Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed heavy smoke engulfing structures in the industrial park, as well as broken windows in several low-rise buildings nearby.

Responding to the emergency, fire and rescue services deployed 55 vehicles and 232 personnel. The Ministry of Emergency Management also dispatched a working group and reinforcements to assist in rescue efforts, the ministry stated.

A hotel staff member about 3.5 kilometers from the blast recalled hearing a loud bang around noon.

“The sound was quite loud with a bang. It only lasted for a moment,” she told CNN, adding that the hotel remained undamaged.

A factory worker located about 6 kilometers from the site described feeling a powerful shockwave and a sudden rush of air strong enough to cause concern. The blast damaged doors and windows in the facility, and the airflow entered with enough force that being closer might have resulted in physical harm.

Shandong Youdao Chemical is owned by Himile Group and operates on more than 46 hectares in the Gaomi Renhe chemical park. Established in August 2019, the company employs over 300 people and specializes in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intermediates, according to its website.

Shares of Himile Mechanical, a listed company under Himile Group, dropped nearly 4% Tuesday afternoon, Reuters reported.

This incident follows the 2015 blasts at a chemical warehouse in Tianjin, which killed over 100 people and caused the release of toxic fumes in the area.(MyTVCebu)