Two dead in Chinese chemical plant explosion

TWO people have been killed and a further five have been injured after wastewater treatment equipment exploded at a chemical plant in Shandong Province, China.

Chinese state news media Xinhua reported that the accident occurred on the evening of 3 March. All seven plant workers affected by the incident were taken to hospital, where two of them succumbed to their injuries.

Plant operators Lianhe Chemical Technology (Lianhetech), known for manufacturing phosgene-based products and pharmaceuticals said production has been shut down pending an investigation into the incident. The company said it has detected no chemical leaks during the incident.