WALL OF FLAMES
Massive explosion rocks chemical plant in eastern China leaving fireball mushroom cloud in sky
The huge blast sent flames shooting more than a quarter of a mile into the sky
A GIANT mushroom cloud was left looming over a chemical plant after a huge industrial explosion rocked a city in Eastern China.
The massive blast happened late on Wednesday night in Tongling shooting flames more than a quarter of a mile into the sky.
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"At present there are records of any deaths," local emergency crews said. "The fire caused by the explosion has been effectively controlled."
The blast rocked local neighbourhoods injuring at least two people, state media reported.
At the time of the explosion, residents screamed in terror as the giant mushroom formed above the burning chemical plant.
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Fire engines and emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene in the Anhui province.
Video clips circulated online by witnesses suggest the explosion lasted for several seconds, creating an enormous fireball.
The blast sent strong shock waves through the area, with smaller explosions following, online portal Sina reported.
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Search and rescue crews are today still searching through the rubble of the devastated chemical plant.
Deadly accidents are relatively common at industrial plants in China and politicians have vowed to improve safety.
President Xi Jinping said authorities would learn the lessons 'paid for with blood' after chemical blasts in Tianjin killed 165 people in 2015.