Chemical plant blasts in NE China, leaving one dead, two missing

One worker was confirmed dead and two others remained missing, after an explosion in a petrochemical plant in northeast China's Liaoning Province at 5:46 a.m. on Sunday.

The body of Wang Guiyan, a female worker at the plant, was recovered Sunday morning, according to the Funeral House in Liaoyang City.

A city government spokesman said that two more workers on duty in the plant could not be reached.

Huang Ying, the corporate representative of the Dengta Jinhang Petrochemical Co. Ltd, where the accident occurred, was under police scrutiny.

Several others concerned were also under investigation, according to Han Shutong, deputy director of the bureau of public security in Dengta City.

"Since the cause of the accident is not known for the time being, further steps will depend on the investigation results," he said.

The plant's workshop had been toppled to the ground. The blast left a hole three meters deep in the northeast corner of the plant.

A dozen firemen were damping down the smouldering debris.

The blast in Jianshanzi Village, Luodatai Town of Dengta City could be heard in a county 40 kilometers away. Dengta City is under the administration of Liaoyang City.

Windows in buildings near the plant were shattered, injuring many locals. At least five people suffered fractured limbs.

The blaze was brought under control at around 7:30 after more than 30 fire engines rushed to the scene, the fire brigade said.

The Dengta Jinhang Petrochemical Co. Ltd. is a privately owned company, which manufactures lubricant additives, such as antioxidants and petroleum cleaner.

The plant, with more than 20 workers, is just over 50 kilometers from Shenyang, capital of Liaoning. It covers about 60,000 square meters and is adjacent to big state-owned petrochemical enterprises like Liaoyang Chemical Group and Liaohe Oilfield.

A dozen firemen were continuing to extinguish ash fire in the debris.

The blast in Jianshanzi Village, Luodatai Town of Dengta City could be heard in a county 40 kilometers away. Dengta City is under the administration of Liaoyang City.

Windows on buildings near the plant were shattered, injuring many locals. At least five people suffered fractured limbs.

The blaze was brought under control at around 7:30 after more than 30 fire engines rushed to the scene, the fire brigade said.

The Dengta Jinhang Petrochemical Co. Ltd. is a privately owned company, which manufactures lubricant additives, such as antioxidants and petroleum cleaner.

The plant is just over 50 kilometers from Shenyang, capital of Liaoning. It covers about 60,000 square meters and is adjacent to big state-owned petrochemical enterprises like Liaoyang Chemical Group and Liaohe Oilfield.

Source: Xinhua