Cause for chemical plant explosion in Henan identified

Local police blamed last week's chemical blast in central China's Henan Province mainly on unauthorized production of explosive chemicals and inadequate training of workers on Tuesday.

The public security bureau of Yuanyang County has found that since its operation in May, Xinxiang Suoyuan Chemical Co. Ltd. had produced hazardous chemicals without any license and its workers had never received any training on the working procedures or how to protect themselves in emergencies.

The blast occurred at the factory's workshop at about 10:40 a.m.on July 28 and police say the death toll has risen to five.

Eight people were injured in the accident, two of whom have recovered and been discharged from hospital and the other six are recuperating well, according to police sources.

Factory owner Mao Yuanzhong has been detained and further investigation is in progress. Local villagers said all the dead and wounded were Mao's relatives.

Soruce: Xinhua