Death toll in China chemical plant blast climbs to 5

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The death toll from an explosion at a chemical plant in China has risen to five while eight people are still missing as a result of the mishap.

The explosion was reported on Sunday afternoon at a chemical plant in Panjin, a coastal city in northeast China’s Liaoning province.

At least 30 people are being treated for minor injuries, the Chinese daily Global Times reported.

Authorities said the “fire” which is said to have occurred during the facility's maintenance process, is “under control.”

The blast sent shockwaves throughout the chemical plant, shaking nearby homes and other structures.

Videos from the scene showed smoke billowing from the facility.

Some 105 firefighting vehicles and 441 firefighting personnel were deployed on the site while around 20 ambulances and 240 medical personnel were mobilized to help the victims, according to the report.