Heavy toll after chemical plant explosion in China

An explosion at a chemical plant in northeast China has left at least two people dead, 34 injured and 12 missing, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday.

“The fire is currently under control, the last flames having stabilized”, according to CCTV.

Videos and photos released by television show a thick cloud of black smoke and flames rising from the factory, as well as a group of helmeted firefighters outside the building.

More than 330 firefighters were mobilized to bring the blaze under control, according to the report.

Industrial accidents are common in China and often caused by poor compliance with safety rules.