Deadly factory explosion in northern China kills two, injures 84, eight still missing
A powerful explosion ripped through a steel factory in northern China, killing two people and injuring dozens, with several others still missing. The blast sent shockwaves through nearby areas, damaged buildings, and prompted an urgent rescue operation as authorities investigate the cause.
- A blast at a steel plant in Inner Mongolia killed two people, injured 84, and left eight missing.
- Several victims are in serious condition as rescue and search efforts continue.
- Authorities are investigating the cause amid ongoing concerns over industrial safety in China.
CHINA: A massive explosion struck a steel factory in northern China on Sunday (18 January 2026) afternoon, killing two people and injuring 84 others, according to local reports. The incident occurred at around 3pm at a Baogang United Steel plant in Baotou, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
Local authorities said five of the injured are in serious condition, while eight people remain unaccounted for.
Emergency management officials and fire rescue teams were deployed immediately, and search operations are still ongoing as of the latest update.
Videos circulating online showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the factory, collapsed ceilings, broken pipes and debris scattered across the site.
Residents several kilometres away reported feeling strong tremors, with some saying their homes shook and windows were shattered.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
The factory involved is part of a major state-owned iron and steel enterprise. Officials have yet to confirm what triggered the blast.
China has long faced challenges related to industrial safety, with factory explosions and other workplace accidents occurring regularly.
In 2025, China registered approximately 19,884 workplace safety accidents nationwide, resulting in about 18,261 deaths — both figures fell roughly 7–8.7% compared with the previous year, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM).
0 Comments