BEIJING—A massive explosion at a chemical plant in northeastern China killed at least five people and left eight missing, state broadcaster CCTV said on Jan. 16.
More than 30 other people were injured in the explosion Sunday on the outskirts of the city of Panjin in Liaoning Province east of the capital, Beijing.
The actual number of casualties from such events may be much higher as the Chinese regime routinely suppresses or alters information.
News releases from the local authorities showed photos of flames and thick black smoke rising from the complex of chemical processing machinery, pipes, and storage containers.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control, the government of Panshan County in the city’s suburbs said in a statement.
People posting on social media said they felt the shock of the explosion, but the damage did not appear to extend beyond the plant.
