A chemical plant in China’s eastern Shandong province wa shit by a powerful blast on Tuesday around noon (local time), with dark smoke billowing from the location, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoted by the Associated Press.The incident occurred at Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co., situated within an industrial park in Weifang city. The facility is known for producing pesticides and medical-use chemicals, according to local media reports.Emergency response teams have been deployed to the incident site, while authorities have not yet confirmed any casualties. CCTV reported that local fire services dispatched over 230 firefighters to address the situation.

The explosion’s intensity reportedly shattered windows at a storage facility situated over two miles (three kilometres) from the factory site, as evidenced by a local inhabitant, quoted by AP, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of reprisal.The resident reported that the explosion caused his house to shake. Upon investigating the disturbance through his window, he observed a high-rising smoke column emanating from the location, which was situated more than seven kilometres (4.3 miles) away.