Society
Death toll in N.China factory blast rises to 19
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-25 22:16
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SHIJIAZHUANG: The death toll from a Wednesday factory explosion in northern China's Hebei province has risen to 19 by Thursday afternoon, according to rescuers.
After 22 hours of efforts, the rescue work was over.
From the small hours of the morning to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, five bodies were retrieved from the debris caused by the explosion. another person, who had been severely injured, died later in hospital.
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The company is located in Funing, Qinhuangdao city.
Of the total, 19 people have been confirmed dead, 39 unharmed and 49 injured, including eight in critical condition.
The provincial government has formed a team to investigate the accident. Preliminary investigations found the explosion might have been caused by flammable dust.
The privately-run company, with a registered capital of 1 billion yuan (146.6 million US dollars), produces starch and glucose and has 3,300 employees.
The company has been ordered to halt production. The police have detained the company's vice general manager and workshop director.
In the wake of the accident, the city government has launched a two-month overhaul of work safety.
