Dozens Killed, Nearly 200 Injured After Explosion at Auto Parts Factory in China

A victim of a factory explosion is wheeled into a hospital in Kunshan, China, on Saturday. A radio reporter was quoted by the official Xinhua news as saying that the clothing and hair of some victims had been burnt off. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Aug 2, 2014 / 07:59 AM PDT

Updated: Aug 2, 2014 / 11:36 AM PDT

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At least 68 people were killed in an early morning explosion at a factory near Shanghai that makes automobile parts for General Motors, once again raising concerns about workplace safety in China.

Within hours of the explosion Saturday in the Kunshan, Jiangsu province, two executives of the Taiwanese company that owns the plant, Zhongrong Metal Products, were detained for questioning.

The factory produces aluminum alloy tire rims. State media said the accident was most likely caused when sparks ignited a highly flammable powder used in polishing the hubs.

The explosion took place at 7:37 a.m. local time Saturday, when the factory was running with about 200 workers on site, according to reports. More than 180 were injured, many with serious burns. Those were being rushed to Shanghai, 45 miles away, to be treated.

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