Chemical plant gas blast injures 23

At least 23 people are injured, one of them seriously, in a gas explosion at a chemical plant in central China's Hubei Province.

At least 23 people were injured, one of them seriously, in a gas explosion at a chemical plant in central China's Hubei Province, a report said on Tuesday.

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The blast occurred at the synthetic ammonia production line in the Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Based in Yichang City, an official said.

Initial investigation showed that the blast was caused by gas leak, he said.

One person was seriously burnt, and 22 others were cut by broken glasses. All the injured have been hospitalised.

The powerful blast smashed all glasses of buildings within 50 metres.

The company, one of China's carbide providers, specialises in the production and sale of fertilizer and chemical products.