Powerful explosion at a chemical plant in China: Five Dead and Six Missing

At least five people have lost their lives and another six result missing after a powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China, local authorities announced on Tuesday.

The event took place in the town of Gaomi, in Shandong province, in the production department of Shandong Youdao Chemical, just minutes before noon at local time. The explosion generated a thick cloud of gray and orange smoke that ascended to the sky, broke the windows of nearby buildings, and caused panic in the area, reports CNN.

According to state television reports CCTV, authorities have launched a major search and rescue operation, while 19 others have suffered minor injuries. So far, no official information has been provided due to the explosion, while investigations continue.

Authorities have called for increased caution and have surrounded the area to avoid possible other incidents./Periscopi/