As of 11:30?PM Monday, the chemical plant blast in north
China's port city of Tianjin rose to seven with another one still
missing, said rescuers.
At least three others were injured in the blast and have already
been hospitalized.
The blast took place at about 3:00?PM 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 is no leak of ammonia in large
amount, according to the 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-triggered fire has
been quenched. Workers at the Xinda Industrial Park have been
evacuated.
Upon receiving the report, Tianjin Mayor Dai Xianglong and other
local officials rushed to the scene to organize rescue
operation.
Yikun, originally the Tianjin Perfume Factory founded in 1985,
is a producer of fragrance for making cosmetics, soap, detergent,
face cream, fixative and perfume.
The cause of the blast is being investigated.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2006)