China
2020.07.12 13:17 GMT+8

2 injured, 2 missing after fire at new energy firm in SE China

Updated 2020.07.12 22:27 GMT+8
CGTN

At least two people were injured, and two others are missing after a fire broke out at a new energy company's tank field in Longyan City, southeast China's Fujian Province, according to local authorities.

Among the two, one sustained serious injury. The wounded have both been transferred to a hospital.

As of late afternoon on Sunday, over 130 firefighters and 40 fire engines have been dispatched to the scene to try to battle the blaze and search for survivors.

The fire erupted at around 10:10 a.m. on Sunday at the factory's tank field. The factory has three tanks on-site, storing industrial alcohol like biodiesel.

Small explosions have also occurred afterward as the pressure in the tanks mounted due to the high temperature caused by the blaze.

Video and images circulated on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the site.

The preliminary probe at the scene suggested the combustion of the substance diesel caused the fire during maintenance, and local authorities are now looking into the cause.

According to local officials, nearby factories are not affected by the incident, and people living close to the site have been evacuated timely.

The company, established in 2001, specialized in the development, production and sales of biodiesel and industrial glycerols using waste oils such as gutter oil.

(Cover: CMG)

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