Explosion destroys chemical factory in China

A massive explosion destroyed a chemical factory in eastern Chinese province of Shandong today.

The Luxi chemical factory site in Liaocheng city, where the explosion took place, was engulfed in a ball of fire.

The Chinese state television showed photographs from the scene with the area turned into a heap of twisted steel.

No reports about any casualties were available immediately. The factory produces refined chemicals including sulfuric acid and chemical fertiliser.