Huge explosion triggered by five tonnes of toxic chemicals rips through a Chinese factory, killing four people
- Massive blast rocked a chemical plant today in Yulin city, southern China
- Four people were killed and another six were injured, state media reported
- The explosion was said to be caused by a reactor containing toxic elements
- Rescue works are being carried out at the scene and investigation is underway
Four people have been killed after a huge explosion ripped through a chemical factory in southern China today, according to reports from state media.
Another six people were said to be injured in the massive blast in the city of Yulin, Guangxi Province.
The fatal explosion was reportedly caused by a reactor containing five tonnes of highly toxic substances.
Footage released by state media shows plumes of smoke rising into the sky after the blast in Guangxi Province in southern China. Four people were killed and six people were injured
The chemical factory in the city of Yulin is seen completely destroyed by the huge explosion
The incident took place at around 11:15am in an industrial park in the city’s Luchuan County, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The plant is part of Guangxi Lanke New Material Company.
Footage released by state newspaper People’s Daily on its social media account shows plumes of smoke rising into the sky from a factory building.
It also shows the interiors of the plant completely destroyed and debris scattered on the ground. Only a shell of the factory can be seen in the aftermath.
The explosion did not spark a fire, according to the local fire brigade which dispatched eight fire engines and 38 firefighters to the scene.
The deadly explosion took place in a chemical factory in Yulin (pictured) in southern China
Paramedics confirmed that four people had been killed and another six had been injured, reported People’s Daily on Twitter-style Weibo.
Two people were seriously wounded and in critical condition, the post said.
The blast was caused by a reactor containing formaldehyde, phenol and their mixture. There were around five tonnes of the substances.
Both elements are toxic and can cause damage to the human body.
The case of the explosion is being investigated.
Rescue works are still being carried out at the scene as of writing.