At least five people have been killed and 19 injured in an explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China, state broadcaster CCTV said.
The powerful blast occurred at a facility in the eastern province of Shandong around midday on Tuesday, sending thick black plumes of smoke billowing from the site, the broadcaster reported.
Authorities said six people are currently missing.
Video posted by a local resident showed the blast was so powerful it blew out windows in a warehouse more than two miles (3km) from the plant.
His house shook from the impact, he said. When he went to the window to see what had happened, he noticed a tall column of smoke rising from the scene more than four miles (7 km) away.
The incident occurred at Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co., located in an industrial zone in the city of Weifang. The plant produces pesticides and medical chemicals and has more than 500 employees, according to corporate records.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene, but authorities have not yet reported any casualties. Local firefighters
According to CCTV, more than 230 people arrived at the scene.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
