Relatives look for a missing worker at the pesticide plant owned by Tianjiayi Chemical following an explosion, in Xiangshui county, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China March 23, 2019.
Image Source: Reuters

Beijing [China]: The death toll in a massive explosion that took place at
Chenjiagang Tianjiayi chemical plant in eastern China last week rose to 78, of whom 56 have been identified.

South China Morning Post confirmed the number of fatalities that had increased from 64 on Sunday, after quoting the Mayor of Yancheng city, Cao Lubao.

Local authorities noted that more than 600 people were injured in the incident that took place on Thursday.

China’s state council, which initiated an investigation into the case, ordered nationwide inspections to identify and rectify dangers in chemical factories.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale was also reported and it is speculated that it occurred due to the impact of the blast.

The residential buildings, schools, and vehicles in the vicinity of the plant were also reported to be damaged.

Stay tuned for more updates!