3 dead, 5 missing in E China chemical plant blast

Source: Xinhua | April 16, 2014, Wednesday |

Online Edition

A chemical plant blast and fire in east China's Jiangsu Province have killed three people and left five others missing, local authorities said today.

The blast occurred at 10:03 am at Shuangma Chemical Plant in Rugao City, according to sources with the city's publicity department.

Of the 12 injured people rescued from the scene, three later died in the hospital.

Firefighters have extinguished the flames, and the search for the missing is under way.

Established in 1997, Shuangma Chemical Plant mainly produces edible palm oil, or stearic acid.

The blast has not caused severe air or water pollution, according to local environmental protection authorities.

An investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing.

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