At least 23 people were injured in gas explosion at a chemical
plant in central China's Hubei Province Monday evening.
The blast occurred at around 8:38 PM at the synthetic ammonia
production line in the Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
based in Yichang City, according to an official with the local
government.
Initial investigation showed that the blast was caused by gas
leak, the official said.
One person was seriously burnt, and 22 others were cut by broken
glasses. All the injured have been hospitalized.
The powerful blast smashed all glasses of buildings within 50
meters.
The company, one of China's carbide providers, specializes in
the production and sale of fertilizer and chemical products.
Operation of the blast-hit workshop has come to a stop.
Investigation into the accident is underway.
(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2007)