44 dead after blast rocks industrial park in east China

Death toll has risen to 44 and 90 others were seriously injured after an explosion ripped through an industrial park Thursday afternoon in Yancheng, east China's Jiangsu Province, the rescue headquarters said Friday.

A total of 640 people are receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Among them, 32 are still in critical conditions and 58 others sustain severe injuries, according to the rescue headquarters.

The explosion happened at about 2:48 p.m. Thursday, following a fire that broke out in a factory located in a chemical industrial park.

Workers were trapped after buildings were knocked down by the shockwave, which also shattered windows of nearby residential houses. Witnesses said many workers were seen running out of the factory covered in blood after the blast.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a team of experts to the site and urged all-out efforts in the rescue.

The National Health Commission said Friday it has dispatched three batches of medical experts on burns, neurosurgery, psychological intervention, intoxication, and public hygiene to help with rescue and relief work.

Health authorities in Jiangsu have also mobilized medical staff around the province to help with the treatment and transfer of the injured.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)