High-level investigation continues after plant explosion

The Work Safety Committee of the State Council will directly oversee the investigation of a chemical plant explosion that killed 13 and injured another 35 in Panjin, Liaoning province, according to a release from the Ministry of Emergency Management, where the office of the committee is based.

The accident happened when workers were rolling out a maintenance operation at an alkylation facility in Panjin Haoye Chemical on Jan 15.  

The release noted a series of problems that were unearthed in the ongoing investigation. To ensure economic gains, company leaders neglected safety management and left hazards unattended for an extended period of time, it said.

There were major loopholes in the management of highly risky maintenance operation, according to the ministry, which also concluded the company considered the national campaign to promote workplace safety a mere formality.

The release said the committee demanded authorities across the country launch special operations to screen for safety hazards and work out safety control measures accordingly.