A powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China’s Shandong province has killed at least five people, injured 19 others, and left six still unaccounted for, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred shortly before noon at a facility operated by Shandong Youdao Chemical Co. in the city of Weifang.

The force of the blast shook the surrounding industrial area and prompted a large-scale emergency response.

More than 200 rescue personnel were deployed to the scene, according to China’s Ministry of Emergency Management.

Firefighters and hazardous materials teams worked through the afternoon to contain the situation and search for survivors.

Footage captured by drones and shared by the state-backed Beijing News showed plumes of smoke rising from the Youdao complex and what appeared to be a nearby facility.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Authorities have yet to release findings from environmental assessments at the site.

However, local environmental officials have urged nearby residents to wear protective masks as a precaution, pending results of air quality tests.

The affected plant is part of the Gaomi Renhe Chemical Park and spans over 47 hectares. Established in 2019, Youdao Chemical specializes in producing chemical ingredients used in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The company employs more than 300 workers and is owned by the Himile Group, which also controls publicly traded Himile Mechanical. Shares of the latter fell nearly 3.6% following news of the explosion.

China has experienced a series of chemical plant disasters in recent years.

Notably, two warehouse explosions in Tianjin in 2015 killed over 170 people, prompting tighter regulations. In Shandong alone, a previous plant blast in 2015 claimed 13 lives.

Authorities say rescue operations and investigations are ongoing.

Source: Agencies