Society

8 killed as chemical-loaded truck explodes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-15 09:33

NANNING - Eight people were killed and six other injured after a truck carrying flammable chemicals exploded in a parking lot Tuesday afternoon in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, local authorities said.

A wrecked truck is seen after an explosion at a parking lot in Litang township, Bingyang county of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, June 14, 2011. Eight people were killed and another six were injured by the blast, which occurred on Tuesday evening when workers were unloading the truck which carried flammable chemicals. [Photo/Xinhua]

The blast occurred at around 6:30 pm in the Litang township of Binyang county when workers were unloading the truck which carried flammable chemicals including potassium chlorate and carbon powder, said a spokesman with the county government's information office.

A preliminary investigation showed that workers' carelessness may have triggered the explosion, said the spokesman.

The fire from the blast engulfed over 20 cars at the carpark, which used to be a gas station, said the spokesman.

Two people were severely wounded and four suffered slight injuries, he said.

The fire has been put out and further investigation is underway.