Deadly Explosion at Chinese Chemical Plant Leaves Five Dead, Six Missing in Shandong Province

A devastating explosion at the Shandong Youdao Chemical plant in Gaomi city, eastern China, has claimed at least five lives and left six people missing, according to local authorities.

The blast, which erupted just before noon yesterday unleashed a massive plume of gray and orange smoke, shattered windows in nearby buildings, and triggered a large-scale emergency response.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that the explosion occurred in a workshop at the Shandong Youdao Chemical facility, though the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The shockwave from the blast sent powerful shockwaves that were so strong that it broke the windows and structures of peripheral buildings, with video clips circulating onChinese social media showing thick smoke engulfing the industrial park and debris scattered across the area.

Local officials have confirmed that nineteen additional individuals suffered minor injuries.

A hotel employee located approximately 3.5 kilometers epicentre of the accident recalled witnessing the whole explosion unfold right before her eyes.

“The sound was quite loud with a bang. It only lasted for a moment.”

Another worker, surnamed Meng, who worked at a factory 6 kilometers away recalled feeling a violent shake and a “strong gust” of wind.

“The airflow rushed in through the window, and if I had been a bit closer, it might have thrown me against the wall,”

Authorities mobilized a significant rescue effort, dispatching 55 fire vehicles and 232 personnel to the scene, while the Ministry of Emergency Management sent a specialized working group and reinforcements to assist in the operation.

Shandong Youdao Chemical, founded in August 2019 and owned by Himile Group, occupies more than 46 hectares in the Gaomi Renhe chemical park and employs over 300 people.

The company specializes in the development, production, and sale of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intermediates.