Society

3 killed in factory explosion in Xinjiang

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-02 06:34

URUMQI - At least three people were killed in a factory explosion Wednesday evening in Urumqi, the capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous, according to witnesses.

The blast occurred at 7:50 pm at a factory located in the city's Lantian Road at High-tech Development Zone when more than 30 people were at work, a spokesman with the city's public security bureau said.

Witnesses said two people died on the spot, and a source with a hospital said a third death occurred after treatment efforts failed, but the municipal government confirmed only two deaths by 9 pm, with 14 others injured.

Body parts were found 50 meters away from the factory, according to reporters on the scene.

The factory, which produces aluminum products, belongs to Xinjiang Yuansheng Technology Development Co., Ltd., the spokesman said.

The blast occurred when a furnace in the factory exploded.

The cause of the blast is under investigation.