General

A large explosion at a factory in northern China resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injured 84 others, with eight people still unaccounted for, according to state media. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM local time (07:00 GMT) on Sunday at the Baogang United Steel plant located in Inner Mongolia, which caused significant shaking in the surrounding area. Videos shared online captured the explosion, which released thick smoke into the air, while the ground was covered with debris, including fallen ceilings and pipes. Among those hospitalized, five individuals sustained serious injuries, as reported by state media. Investigations are underway to determine what caused the explosion. Baogang United Steel is a significant state-owned company in the iron and steel sector. China has experienced many industrial accidents over the years, including factory explosions, mine collapses, and mudslides. Notably, in 2015, two enormous explosions at the port of Tianjin resulted in 173 fatalities and left hundreds injured, causing widespread destruction in the city. In May of the previous year, a chemical plant explosion in the eastern Shandong province killed five and injured at least 19 others, shattering windows in nearby buildings.