Massive explosion rocks chemical plant in China

A large explosion at a chemical plant in China's eastern province of Shandong sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky on Tuesday, state media reported, without giving details on casualties.

More than 200 emergency workers responded to the blast that shook a workshop of Shandong Youdao Chemical in the city of Weifeng just before noon, sparking discussions on Chinese social media over the dangers of toxic gas exposure. Government officials urged emergency crews to quickly contain a fire at the facility and confirm the number of casualties.

As many as 55 emergency vehicles and 232 first responders had been dispatched to the scene, the national Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement.

The Weifeng Ecological Environment Bureau has dispatched staff to the test the site of the blast and advised nearby residents to wear face masks in the meantime.

Shandong Youdao Chemical is owned by Himile Group, which also owns listed Himile Mechanical, shares of which were down nearly 4% on Tuesday afternoon.

Youdao was set up in August 2019 in the Gaomi Renhe chemical park in Weifang, its website says, and covers more than 47 hectares (116 acres), with more than 300 employees.

The firm develops, produces and sells technology for pesticides, pharmaceuticals and related chemical intermediates.

Blasts at chemical plants in China in recent years have included one in the northwest region of Ningxia in 2024 and another in the southeastern province of Jiangxi in 2023.

Two massive explosions at warehouses containing hazardous and flammable chemicals in the Chinese port city of Tianjin in 2015 killed over 170 people and injured 700 more, prompting the government to pass new laws covering chemical storage.