Shandong chemical explosion deaths rise to 9

The number killed by an explosion at a chemical plant in Liaocheng, Shandong province, on Monday morning has increased to nine, with one remaining missing, local authorities said.

The accident happened in an area for hydrogen peroxide production at Luxi Chemical, a subsidiary of Sinochem Holdings.

Five people were found dead soon after the blast, and another four bodies were removed from the debris during the rescue operation after the fire caused by the explosion was put out, according to a statement on Wednesday from the management committee of Liaocheng high-tech zone, where the plant is located.