Blast at pesticide plant in China; Half-ton killed

At least 47 people have been killed and more than six tons injured after an explosion at a pesticide plant in eastern China, in the city of Yancheng in Jiangsu province.

The explosion occurred on Thursday at the Chenjiagang Industrial Park. A total of 640 people are being treated at sixteen hospitals and 32 of them are in a critical condition.

The plant is owned by Tianjiayi Chemical Company and investigation is under process to find the cause of explosion.

In the past the plant has been fined for work safety violations. The company produces thirty organic chemical compounds and several of those are highly flammable.

Police meanwhile has sealed off roads to the factory and fire has come under control.

The blast was highly powerful and it smashes the windows of houses two kilometers away from the plant. Villagers were shocked and said it was like an earthquake.

Village people said a loud single bang was first heard and thereafter a long rumble. Eyewitnesses said blood was seen everywhere near the site and people were crushed.

President Xi Jinping is currently in Italy and has ordered all-out efforts to care for the injured.

Accidents in factories have lately increased in China and people are angry over safety standards.