BEIJING – A massive blast at a chemical factory ripped through an industrial zone on China’s eastern seaboard on Thursday, killing 47 people and injuring more than 600, local authorities said. In a torrent of outrage following that explosion, Chinese citizens accused local and central leaders of failing to improve the country’s poor industrial safety record and covering up the extent of the devastation. Videos and photos circulating online on Friday showed thick gray smoke billowing over the Yancheng blast site and children crying with blood stains on their faces. The blast was so violent it was suspected of triggering a 2.2-magnitude tremor in a nearby county that was picked up by China’s earthquake monitors. Chinese officials have vowed for years to improve the country’s dismal safety record, but high-profile accidents have continued to make headlines.

Source: National Post March 22, 2019 14:25 UTC