Explosion Hits Petrochemical Terminal In China Xhuhai Port

A petrochemical terminal at Zhuhai Port in southern China on Tuesday, has suffered a major explosion which in turn caused a massive fire .

The accident occurred at Changlian Petrochemical’s base in the Gaolan port area of Zhuhai Port, just across the border from Macau at the mouth of the Pearl River.

The workers at the terminal and nearby areas have been urgently evacuated. Currently the casualties remain unknown , even as local media have reported that the fire has been put out.

Changlian Petrochemical, owned by Esson New Energy Group, produces various petrochemicals at the plant including benzene, toluene and and mixed xylenes.

The terminal started production in 2003 and has an annual capacity capable of producing over 1.2m tons of petrochemicals.

The company had 15 safety issues reported during an inspection conducted in July last year.

An official at Zhuhai Port told newsmen that the port operations are normal and the cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The huge explosion could be heard from the western parts of Hong Kong this afternoon more than 40 km away.