Chemical Explosion in Shandong, China

All that’s left after a chemical fire in a factory in Linyi, in China’s Shandong Province.

At least 18 people died when lacquer-curing chemicals exploded while being unloaded from a truck.

The chemicals were reported to contain highly flammable and poisonous xylene and butyl acetate — both main ingredients in lacquer curing agents.

State television reported it took 26 fire engines and more than 90 firefighters to put out the fire. 10 others were injured in the explosion but are in a stable condition.

The explosion comes as some Chinese municipalities begin to impose regulations on the transport of dangerous chemicals to and from factories, to reduce the danger to residential neighborhoods.

An investigation into the incident is under way.

(NTDTV)