A deadly explosion at a gasification plant in Sanmenxia City in central China's Henan Province on July 19 was linked to cold box leakage, according to preliminary findings by the Ministry of Emergency Management on Friday. 

"Even if the cold box was leaking, the relevant gas factory failed to take timely maintenance and repair measures but still kept the devices running until the explosion happened," the ministry said in a statement. 

The explosion claimed 15 lives while 16 people were critically injured. 

Further investigation is continuing, according to the ministry. 

(Top image: VCG Photo)