A massive explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China’s Shandong province on Tuesday afternoon left five people dead and 19 others injured, with six still missing, according to local authorities.
Incident Details
- The blast occurred at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. facility in Weifang city.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those still unaccounted for.
- Videos shared on social media show a thick plume of white smoke billowing into the air after the explosion, which also knocked out windows at nearby buildings.
Witness Accounts
- "The blast was massive," said one witness who asked not to be identified. "I was about 1 kilometer away from the plant when I heard it."
Investigation and Company Background
- Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast, but no official explanation has been released so far.
- Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. is listed as a producer of pesticides and chemicals for medical use, employing more than 500 people.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights concerns about workplace safety and industrial regulations in China’s chemical industry. In recent years, there have been several high-profile explosions that have raised questions about:
- Lax enforcement of safety standards
- Inadequate emergency response procedures
Recent Incidents
- In March last year, an explosion killed seven people and injured eight others at a chemical factory in Jiangsu province.
- Earlier this month, another blast killed three people and injured two others at a pesticide factory in Hubei province.
China has faced criticism over its handling of industrial accidents, including explosions that have resulted in significant loss of life or damage to property in recent years.
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