CHINA – Deadly Chemical Plant Explosion in Eastern China: Five Killed, Six Missing
A powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China on Tuesday has left five people dead and six others missing, local authorities confirmed. Nineteen additional individuals sustained minor injuries.
Incident Details
The blast occurred just before noon at a workshop operated by Shandong Youdao Chemical in Gaomi, a city in Shandong province. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
The explosion produced a towering cloud of gray and orange smoke, damaged windows in surrounding buildings, and sparked an immediate emergency response.
Emergency Response
Local fire and rescue services mobilized 55 vehicles and 232 personnel to contain the incident. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management also dispatched a working group and additional rescue teams.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed thick smoke engulfing the industrial zone and broken windows in nearby low-rise structures.
Company and Background
Shandong Youdao Chemical is a subsidiary of Himile Group, which also owns the listed company Himile Mechanical. Shares in Himile Mechanical fell nearly 4% on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Founded in August 2019, Shandong Youdao Chemical operates within the Gaomi Renhe chemical park, occupying more than 46 hectares. The company employs over 300 workers and specializes in the development and manufacture of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intermediates.
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