An explosion at a chemical factory in Lanzhou, Northwest China’s Gansu Province has killed six and injured eight, the Xinhua News Agency reported Saturday. The cause of the tragedy remains unknown. 

Another one injured has been discharged from hospital. Currently, the vital signs of the other seven injured are stable, the report said, citing doctors.

The explosion happened in a sludge drying plant of Binnong Tech Limited which is located in an industrial park in Lanzhou on Friday. The firm was founded in August 2020, with businesses covering pesticide production and sales, as well as production of hazardous chemicals.

The 600-square meters steel-structure plant – the explosion site – had high temperature and pressure steam, but no inflammable or combustible materials, the China Central Television (CCTV) reported. 

There was a power outage in nearby residential areas after the explosion, it said.

The local fire department has sent more than 430 rescue personnel and more than 70 rescue vehicles to participate in the search and rescue work.

Global Times