A blockage in a chemical plant
processing tower and a worker's failed attempt to clear it were
what caused the explosions in northeast China's Jilin Province on
Sunday, according to a senior executive with Jilin Petrochemical
Company (JPC).
A channel in one of the nitration towers at the benzene production
branch was blocked at about noon. A worker tried to unblock it but
failed.
It was a botched attempt; that is the company's explanation,
according to Zou Haifeng, vice general manager of JPC, a subsidiary
of China
National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
All channels and equipment connected to the plant have been shut
down for security reasons, Zou added.
To date, five people are confirmed dead, and one is missing. About
70 people were injured, two seriously. The two, along with 21
others suffering less severe injuries, are still in hospital.
A nurse from Jilin Central Hospital who declined to give her name
told China Daily that all the injured were sent to the
nearest hospitals beside the plant.
The local government ordered all medical staff in Jilin to be on
emergency standby.
JPC is China's first large scale chemical industry base as well as
the largest national aniline base.
Benzene, a colorless highly flammable liquid, is extremely toxic
before it burns. Burning breaks it down into carbon dioxide and
water making it less harmful to humans.
"No toxic gas was detected in the affected district," Zou
said.
Local residents and students of two colleges near the chemical
plant who were evacuated shortly after the incident have returned
to their residences.
An official from Jilin Chemical Industry College, one of the two
colleges, said classes resumed yesterday afternoon.
The blast took place at about 1:45 PM on Sunday at a workshop in
the No. 101 Chemical Plant.
(China Daily November 15, 2005)