A powerful explosion rocked a chemical plant in eastern China on Tuesday, sending massive clouds of orange and gray smoke into the air and damaging buildings kilometers away.
Local authorities in Gaomi city, Shandong province, have launched a large-scale rescue and emergency response, as reported by Chinese state media.
The blast occurred shortly before noon local time at the Shandong Youdao Chemical facility, a plant that develops and produces chemicals used in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial intermediates, according to the company’s website.
State broadcaster CCTV reported the explosion took place inside the plant’s workshop, but no cause has yet been confirmed.
Massive Explosion at Chinese Chemical Plant — Shockwaves Felt Miles Away
