An explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Wefang, in eastern China’s Shandong province, causing significant structural damage to surrounding buildings and resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to 19 others.

The incident took place in an industrial area where the factory operated by Jiaomi Yodao Chemical, which specializes in pesticide and medical chemical production, employs over 500 workers according to company registration records.

Local fire authorities dispatched more than 230 personnel to the site of the explosion, indicating a substantial emergency response.

Reports and video footage circulating on social media depicted shattered windows in nearby structures.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the explosion was powerful enough to damage a storage warehouse located over three kilometers away from the plant.

One local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported feeling a tremor in his home as a result of the blast.

Upon investigating, he witnessed a dense column of smoke rising from the explosion site, reinforcing the reports of the explosion's intensity.

The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, and investigations are likely to follow as authorities assess the incident.