The death toll resulting from the chemical plant blast in north
China's port city of Tianjin rose to seven with another person
still missing as of 11:30 PM Monday, said rescuers. At least three
others were injured in the explosion and have been
hospitalized.
The blast occurred at about 3:00 p.m. at the workshop of the
Yikun (Tianjin) Refined Chemical Industry Science and Technology
Co. Ltd., which is located at the Xinda Industrial Park of Jinnan
District in southern Tianjin.
The blast caused the rupture of an ammonia pipeline which is now
being repaired. However, there was no significant leakage of
ammonia, according to fire-fighters at the scene.
Ammonia is a colorless and pungent gas which is widely used in
the production of fertilizer and a variety of nitrogen-containing
organic and inorganic chemicals.
The workshop has been leveled and the blast started a fire which
has been extinguished. Workers at the Xinda Industrial Park were
evacuated.
Upon receiving the report, Tianjin Mayor Dai Xianglong and other
local officials went to the scene to assist with rescue
operations.
Yikun, originally the Tianjin Perfume Factory founded in 1985,
makes fragrances used in the manufacture of cosmetics, soap,
detergent, face cream and perfume.
The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2006)