Southwest China chemical plant explosion causes mass evacuation
27 February 2013
At least six workers were injured in a chemical factory blast in Guiyang, capital of southwestern China's Guizhou Province, and nearly 30,000 people were evacuated from the area adjacent to the plant. A preliminary investigation revealed that a methanol and toluene leak could have triggered the blast.
Firefighters deployed to the scene took several hours to control the resulting fire and heavy dark smoke enveloped the city.
The incident occurred on February 25 in a factory belonging to pyrethroids manufacturer Bestchem Co. in Baiyun District of Guiyang, Chinese media reported.
Evacuees included students at Baiyun Campus of Guizhou Normal University, Chinanews.com reported. Environmental authorities are said to be monitoring the air and water quality in the area.