At least seven people were killed and 17 others injured in an explosion in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local authorities said on Thursday.
Reuters reported that all injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment and none were in critical condition. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Officials have not yet provided details about the location of the explosion or what may have triggered it. Emergency responders were deployed to the scene, while local authorities continued rescue and recovery efforts.
Industrial accidents and explosions occasionally occur in China despite repeated government pledges to strengthen workplace safety standards. Authorities have intensified inspections in recent years following several high-profile incidents that caused heavy casualties.
China has faced a number of major industrial and chemical explosions over the past decade, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Investigations into such incidents often focus on compliance with safety procedures and the handling of hazardous materials.
The latest explosion comes as Chinese authorities continue efforts to improve emergency response systems and reduce workplace accidents across the country. Further details are expected once the official investigation is completed.
