Explosion Destroys Chemical Plant in E China’s Shandong Province

Powerful shockwave felt with 5-km radius of explosion

A large explosion has occurred at a chemical plant in eastern China’s Shandong province, reported the People’s Daily China. The site is reportedly less than a kilometer from residential areas.

The powerful blast destroyed the plant and shattered windows in nearby houses. It was felt within a five-kilometer radius of the explosion, local media reported.

Injuries have been reported. Residents in nearby communities are being evacuated.

Tianjin Blast Update

Meanwhile, death toll from north China’s Tianjin blast has risen to 121, including 67 fire crews and seven police officers, authorities said on Saturday.

A total of 54 people are still missing, including 37 fire crews and four police officers, ten days after the powerful blasts ripped through the plant in Tianjin Port on August 12, said the report

Some 640 people remain hospitalized, including 48 who were critically injured.

“Water samples from seven out of 27 locations within the [disaster] zone contained excessive levels of cyanide. The worst was up to 54.6 times higher than safe levels.”