Explosion in Hebei: 23 killed, 22 injured in North China truck explosion

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02:13

A massive chemical explosion has killed 23 people in China.

It happened just after midnight on Wednesday in the city of Zhangjiakou - 100 kilometers northwest of Beijing.

Most of the victims are bus drivers, who were carrying materials to a chemical plant.

Our reporter Ning Hong has more.

It was a chain-reaction explosion, lighting up a line of trucks along the road outside the chemical plant. Among those injured, many suffered burns. At least three people are in critical condition.

LU QINGJUN, DIRECTOR BURN WARD, THE 251ST HOSPITAL OF THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY "We are closely observing the situation of our patients, especially at this moment we are not sure of the environment of the explosion site."

Most victims are truck drivers, many who had been sleeping inside their trucks as they waited to unload cargo. The line of fire scorched 38 trucks in all, as well as 12 cars. Power lines and other factories were also damaged.

DOORKEEPER ZHANGJIAKOU HYPOWER NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO. "We are the victims, our co-workers inside the factory are injured. We've been asked to keep everything intact for further investigation."

The cause of explosion is still under investigation. At a press conference held in Zhangjiakou city on Wednesday evening, the vice major looked to calm worries over the environmental impact of the blast, saying the local air quality remains safe.

GUO YING, VICE MAYOR ZHANGJIAKOU, HEBEI PROVINCE "The environmental department hasn't found any trace of dangerous chemicals such as chloroethylene, hydrogen chloride or chlorine. The explosion has no major influence on the air quality nearby."

Guo said this incident will also prompt a review of the local chemical industry – and the risks imposed on the community.

NING HONG ZHANGJIAKOU, HEBEI PROVINCE "It is a terrible tragedy for those who lost their families in the explosion. It is also a warning for the safekeeping and transportation of dangerous materials in the future. Ning Hong, CGTN, Zhangjiakou City."