State Council to oversee probe into chemical plant explosion in East China

BEIJING -- The State Council Work Safety Committee has decided to oversee the investigation into an explosion at the workshop of a chemical company in East China's Shandong province, the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Wednesday.

The fatal incident, with five confirmed deaths and six still missing, occurred on Tuesday in the city of Gaomi.

The committee called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and to seek accountability in accordance with laws and regulations.

Together with the office of the national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief, the committee has also urged relevant departments and companies to draw lessons from recent accidents, strengthen safety risk prevention during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, and take firm measures to prevent major incidents.