A truck with hazardous materials waiting to enter the plant caught fire, spreading to 38 trucks and 12 cars. The cause of the explosion and the fire is unknown.
Zhangjiakou (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Twenty-two people have died and 22 others were injured in an explosion near a chemical factory in Zhangjiakou (Hebei). The explosion occurred this night; the fire has been tamed and the injured were taken to hospitals. The precise cause of the explosion is not yet clear.
The authorities say the explosion occurred near the Hebei Shenghua Chemical Co facilities in the Qiaodong district. The fire seems to have been caused by a truck carrying dangerous chemicals and waiting to enter the factory. The blast caused a fire that spread to the entire line of waiting trucks, hitting 38 trucks and 12 cars.
Most of the dead are drivers, trapped in their vehicles wrapped in flames.
The Beijing Youth Daily reports that Hebei Shenghua Chemical Co has suspended all production. An employee explained that the company produces hazardous chemicals and is afraid of restarting production not knowing the cause of the explosion.