2008 Guangxi chemical plant explosions

The 2008 Guangxi chemical plant explosions were a series of explosions which occurred on August 26, 2008 in Yizhou city, Guangxi province, People's Republic of China.HKStandard. " [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=4512&icid=2&d_str=20080729 The Standard.com] ." "Six still missing from blast in Guangxi." Retrieved on 2008-08-27.]

Explosions

The first explosion occurred at about 6am on August 26 in Yizhou city at the Guangxi Guangwei Chemical company. Usually the factory produces chemicals like polyvinyl acetate used in adhesives, calcium carbide and vinyl acetate monomer used in paint.South China Morning Post. " [http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=732f4fc34fffb110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=China&s=News SCMP.com] ." "Watch on Fallout from Fatal explosion." Retrieved on 2008-08-27.] [Breitbart. " [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D92Q0B5G0&show_article=1 Breitbart.com] ." "11 killed in chemical plant blast in China." Retrieved on 2008-08-27.] Las Vegas Sun. " [http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/aug/26/11-killed-in-chemical-plant-blast-in-china/ Lasvegassun.com] ." "11 killed in chemical plant blast in China." Retrieved on 2008-08-27.] Fire spread over a nearly 108,000sq ft / 10,000m². The fire took almost 11 hours to put out. More than 1,000 firefighters, rescuer and soldiers were deployed to fight the fire.

Fall out

As reported a day after the incident, 16 people were killed and 6 people were missing. Another 57 people were injuried. The government evacuated 11,500 residents in case of further blasts and chemical leaks. Steps were taken to check water quality at the Longjiang river. Ge Xianmin, head of the Guangxi Toxic Substance Emergency Centre said toxic gas were released including sulfurated hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

ee also

* 2005 Jilin chemical plant explosions
* 1994 Kenpeng mine disaster

References