Deadly Blast Hits Weifang Chemical Plant

A massive explosion at the Shandong Youdao Chemical plant in Weifang, China, around noon on Tuesday resulted in at least five deaths, 19 injuries, and six people missing, according to authorities. The blast shattered windows miles away and sent thick smoke into the sky, prompting over 230 emergency responders and more than 50 vehicles to be deployed. Authorities urged residents to wear masks due to potential toxic gas exposure and dispatched environmental teams to monitor pollution levels. The plant, owned by Himile Group and employing several hundred people, manufactures pesticides and chemicals for medical use and has previously been cited for safety violations. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in China's chemical industry despite recent regulatory efforts.