An explosion at a steel plant in China’s Inner Mongolia region has killed two people and injured 66 others, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The blast occurred at about 3:00 p.m. local time at a plate plant operated by Baogang United Steel in western Baotou City, according to the city’s emergency management bureau.
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, reported that thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky following the explosion, which also caused noticeable tremors in nearby areas. Of those hospitalised, three were said to be in serious condition, while five workers remained missing as of the latest update.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene to rescue trapped workers, treat the injured and continue search operations. Authorities said several injured persons had been successfully rescued from the site.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been disclosed, and the identities of the victims were not immediately released. Investigations are ongoing as rescue efforts continue at the facility, which is part of one of the region’s major steel-producing companies.
Officials said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
