Society
Chemical plant explosion leaves 5 missing, 15 injured
By Zhao Chunzhe (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-01-08 10:56
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Firefighters battle a blaze after explosion at a chemical plant in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu province，January 7, 2010. [Photo/CFP] More photos about the accident |
Five people are missing and 15 injured following an explosion at a chemical plant 5:30 pm Thursday, xinhuanet.com reported.
One person is listed in serious condition and nine others in hospital for observation following the blast at a chemical plant in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, which was operated by the Lanzhou Chemical Company of the China National Petroleum Corporation, the country's largest oil and gas producer.
Thirty-seven fire engines and 284 firefighters were sent to the scene with eight different teams approaching the fire from different angles.
The site was 30 kilometers away from downtown, and 500 meters away from the nearest residential quarter, which was not affected, an official said.
The dust within 800 meters away from the site is eight times more harmful than standard levels, but drinking water has not been affected.
The precise casualties, property losses were not yet known. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
