Illegal operation blamed for Shandong ethanol cylinder explosion

Breach of operating rules and regulations was blamed for the ethanol cylinder explosion that left 10 people dead and six others injured in Shandong Province Tuesday morning, and those responsible have been detained, police said Wednesday.

The blast took place around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Fufeng Fermenting Co., Ltd., of Junan County of the east China province.

Preliminary investigation showed the accident was caused by illegal operation of an electric welder, who was killed on the spot.

The fire caused by the blast was put out within two hours. Four chiefs of the company found responsible for the explosion have been detained, and the six hospitalized injured are in good condition after treatment.

The company is a private enterprise with more than 1,000 employees. The 10 dead are all staff members of the company.

Source: Xinhua