Explosion in N. China: 23 confirmed dead

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Updated at 9:00 p.m. BJT, Nov. 29

The rescue operation on site has almost wrapped up, said local officials at a press briefing on the accident. Among the 22 wounded, 18 are receiving medical treatment with the other four already discharged from the hospital.

Updated at 10:10 p.m. BJT, Nov. 28

Twenty-three people have been confirmed dead and 22 others have been sent to the hospital with injuries after a blast in north China early Wednesday morning, a local official said at a press briefing held later that evening.

The blast and ensuing fire also damaged 38 trucks and 12 cars.

The investigation is ongoing and the official cause of the blast will be released later, the official said.

Update at 4:00 p.m. BJT, Nov. 28

The death toll from the explosion has risen to 23.

Updated at 11:50 a.m. BJT, Nov. 28

At least 22 people were killed and 22 others injured in an explosion near a chemical factory in Qiaodong District, north China's Hebei Province, on Wednesday, according to local authorities.

Most victims are bus drivers who were carrying chemicals to several chemical plants in the area.

The wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals, and most of them are reportedly suffering from fire burns.

According to preliminary investigations, a truck transporting dangerous chemicals exploded at the factory gate and ignited other vehicles nearby.

The identities of the victims are being verified and further investigation is underway.

Updated at 8:50 a.m. BJT, Nov. 28

The explosion occurred at 0:41 a.m. local time and triggered a massive blaze. Preliminary investigation indicates that 38 trucks and 12 cars were involved in the incident.

The injured have been hospitalized and the fire has been contained. A search operation is being conducted to look for possible survivors.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the blast.

(CGTN's Ning Hong also contributed to the story.)

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