Huge explosion at eastern China chemical plant

On Tuesday, May 27, a powerful explosion at the Shandong Youdao Chemical plant in Gaomi, Shandong province, killed at least five people and left six missing. Nineteen others suffered minor injuries. The blast occurred shortly before noon. It produced a massive plume of gray and orange smoke, damaged windows in surrounding buildings, and triggered widespread panic. Emergency services deployed over 230 personnel and 55 vehicles, while national authorities sent reinforcements. Witnesses up to 6 kilometers away reported hearing the explosion and feeling strong air pressure. The plant, owned by Himile Group, manufactures pesticides and pharmaceuticals. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the explosion. The incident recalls past industrial accidents in China, such as the 2015 Tianjin blasts.