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Chemical blast kills 18 in E China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-02 23:30

JINAN: Eighteen people died and 10 others were injured in a chemical explosion in east China's Shandong Province Wednesday.

Related readings:  Illegal explosives blast kills three in N China  Coal mine gas blast kills 7 in SW China  Death toll rises to 14 in N China coal mine blast  Official sacked over coal mine blast as rescue continues  Chemical plant blast in Zhejiang kills one

The explosion took place about 4 pm Wednesday as workers were unloading chemicals from a truck in Lanshan District, Linyi City in Shandong. It is not known what the chemicals are.

Seven people died at the scene and 11 others died of injuries after they were rushed to hospital.

A fire caused by the explosion was put out by 4:30 pm.

Investigation into the accident is under way.