China paraxylene chemical plant hit by explosion

The Zhangzhou fire lights up the night sky. The location of PX plants has sparked protests

An explosion has ripped through a chemical plant in south-eastern China’s Fujian province, sparking a major fire.

The blast occurred on Monday evening at the plant in Zhangzhou. State news agency Xinhua reported one injury.

The plant produces paraxylene (PX), a flammable chemical used in polyester and plastics manufacturing.

The location of PX plants in China has sparked protests from residents, including violent demonstrations last year in Guangdong province.

Many residents fear pollution from the plants is hazardous to health.

Focus of protests

The South China Morning Post reported that this was the second blast at the plant in two years.

The plant in Zhangzhou is operated by Dragon Aromatics, one of the largest independent PX producers in China. It has not yet commented.

China Central Television (CCTV) carried footage of the fire, with flames shooting into the air, but provided few details.

Xinhua said the blast occurred at about 19:00 local time (11:00 GMT) in a pumping station.

BBC