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Chemical plant blast death rises to 2, one missing

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-15 17:12

SHENYANG -- Rescuers had retrieved two bodies at the site of a petrochemical plant blast in northeast China and were still searching for a missing worker, the local government said on Monday afternoon.

The body of Wang Guiyan, a female killed in the explosion, was sent to a Liaoyang City funeral home in Liaoning Province on Sunday.

A second unnamed victim was found at the Dengta Jinhang Petrochemical Co. Ltd plant at about 9:10 p.m. on Sunday. The local public security authority was undertaking a DNA test to determine identity.

Three workers, two men and one woman, were on duty when the explosion occurred.

An initial investigation indicated human error led to overheating and excessive pressure in a set of barrel-like production facilities, according to the investigation panel, which comprised government officials and experts.

The explosion occurred at 5:46 a.m. on Sunday in the Jianshanzi Village plant in Luodatai Town of Dengta City, which is under the Liaoyang administration.

The plant is privately owned and employs more than 20 workers. It manufactures lubricant additives, such as antioxidants and petroleum cleaner, among others.

It is just over 50 km from Shenyang, the Liaoning capital. It covers about 60,000 square meters and is adjacent to big state-owned petrochemical enterprises such as Liaoyang Chemical Group and Liaohe Oilfield.