New Delhi: A powerful explosion ripped through a chemical plant in eastern China’s Shandong province on Tuesday, sending shockwaves that shattered windows several kilometres away and casting a towering plume of black smoke visible from afar.
The incident occurred at Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co, situated within an industrial park in Weifang city, prompting an immediate and extensive emergency response.
As of the latest reports, there are no confirmed casualties, but rescue operations are actively underway. The affected plant is known for producing a range of pesticides and chemicals crucial for medicinal applications, employing a workforce exceeding 500 individuals, according to official company registration records. The precise cause of the powerful blast remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.
An #explosion hit a chemical company in Gaomi, #Shandong Province, around 11:57 am today. Emergency crews are on-site. pic.twitter.com/74YWqJsS9E
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) May 27, 2025
The resident also witnessed a massive, dark column of smoke billowing into the sky from that distance. Closer to the site, the blast’s intensity was starkly apparent as windows at a warehouse located more than three kilometers from the factory were reportedly shattered. Footage capturing the thick black smoke rising from the affected area quickly circulated across social media platform X, visually conveying the scale of the disaster.
In swift response, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management deployed a dedicated work team, reinforced with a contingent of specialists, including firefighters, medical experts, and safety officials, to provide assistance and oversee the rescue efforts. Over 230 firefighters have been mobilized to the scene, diligently working to contain the situation and search for potential victims.
