Blast at Chinese chemical plant kills 64; Xi orders probe

YANCHENG, China, March 22

An explosion at a pesticide plant in eastern China has killed 64 persons and injured more than 600, the state media said on Friday, the latest casualties in a series of industrial accidents that has angered the public.

The blast occurred on Thursday at the Chenjiagang Industrial Park in the city of Yancheng, in Jiangsu province, and the fire was finally brought under control at 3 am on Friday, the state television said.

Survivors were taken to 16 hospitals with 640 persons being treated for injuries, it said. The fire at a plant owned by Tianjiayi Chemical Company spread to neighbouring factories. Children at a nearby kindergarten were also hurt, the media said. The cause of the explosion is being investigated, but the company — which produces more than 30 organic chemical compounds, some highly flammable — has been cited and fined for work safety violations, the media said. — Reuters