Explosion at chemical plant in China: 5 dead, 19 injured

Tragedy in eastern China: chemical plant explosion

A powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China's Shandong province has killed at least five people, injured 19 others and left six missing, China Central Television reported.

The blast occurred shortly before noon on May 27 at a facility of Shandong Youdao Chemical in Gaomi County. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was so powerful that it created a huge fireball and sent thick plumes of smoke into the air. The blast blew out windows in many homes in the area.

South China Morning Post notes that Shandong Youdao Chemical was founded in 2019 and is engaged in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other chemical products. Currently, the company employs more than 300 people. According to information published in open sources, Shandong Youdao Chemical is the world's largest producer of the pesticide chlorpyrifos.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. China Central Television reported that all necessary measures are being taken to rescue the victims and provide them with medical assistance.