This is the dramatic moment witnesses filming a blaze at a chemical factory suddenly turn and run when a huge explosion occurs.
The blast, one of three reported explosions, happened in the town of Chengtou in the coastal city of Lianyungang, in East China’s Jiangsu Province.
According to Chinese state media, the factory registered to Lianyungang Hongxing Grinding Materials Co caught fire at around 9:10pm Beijing time yesterday (21st April).
At least eight people are believed to have been on duty at the time when the factory’s silicon carbide plant caught fire and then erupted.
Silicon carbide has a wide range of uses in the production of ceramics, with applications in products such as car brakes, car clutches and bulletproof vests.
Footage taken by witnesses show flames spewing out the factory grounds before the blaze gives way to a loud explosion.
A huge fireball rises into the sky above the chemical plant as bystanders flee to safety.
Local government officials have so far reported no casualties, saying the blaze was brought under control shortly after.
The chemical factory’s owner has been detained as part of an ongoing investigation.
The cause of the blast was still unknown at the time of writing.
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Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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