Massive explosion rocks Chinese chemical plant, leaving 5 dead

At least five people have tragically lost their lives and six are still missing following a devastating explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China. The incident occurred at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. facility in Weifang, where massive columns of smoke were seen billowing into the sky in the aftermath of the blast.

Reports indicate that the explosion was so powerful that it shattered windows at a warehouse located over two miles away from the plant. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke with a yellow tint mixed with red rising from the site. Students at a nearby school were instructed to wear masks due to the strange odor in the air.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time. Local emergency management authorities have confirmed that five individuals lost their lives, while 19 others sustained injuries. Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. is known for manufacturing pesticides and medical chemicals, employing over 500 individuals.

Following the blast, more than 230 first responders rushed to the scene to provide assistance. This tragic incident comes shortly after the National Ministry of Emergency Management conducted a workshop on enhancing safety measures in the chemical industry. Authorities had urged officials at chemical industrial parks to improve their ability to manage hazardous chemicals.

Last year, the chemical plant in Weifang had been cited for safety risks on two occasions. However, it was commended by the Weifang Emergency Management Bureau for addressing these concerns. The plant had identified and rectified over 800 safety hazards in the first eight months of the previous year.

Unfortunately, this is not the first major industrial accident to occur in China. In 2015, a warehouse storing hazardous chemicals in Tianjin caught fire and exploded, resulting in 173 casualties. Similarly, in 2019, a blast at a chemical plant in Yancheng claimed the lives of 78 individuals in Jiangsu province.

As investigations into the recent explosion continue, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article was rewritten by Greg Norman, a reporter at Fox News Digital.