China: Major factory explosion in Ningbo Nov. 26

Event

A major explosion at a factory in Ningbo city’s Jiangbei district at 09:00 (local time) Sunday, November 26 has killed two and injured some 30 others. Nearby buildings have reportedly collapsed, though state media has reported that the buildings were already empty ahead of planned demolition. Shattered windows have been reported up to 1km (0.6 mi) away from the site of the blast itself. Police have said that investigations into the cause of the blast are currently underway.

Context

Industrial explosions take place with relative frequency in China. In 2015, a twin blast in Tianjin killed 173 people.

Ningbo is an industrial city, known for its auto-manufacturing industry and its large international shipping port.

Advice

Individuals in Ningbo are advised to avoid the immediate area of the explosion.