5 dead, 3 missing in E China chemical plant blast

NANJING - The death toll has risen to seven following a chemical plant explosion on Wednesday in East China's Jiangsu province, local authorities said Saturday.

Rescuers found another body at the scene after the blast at Shuangma Chemical Plant in Rugao city, bringing the death toll of the accident to seven, according to sources with the city's publicity department.

Nine other people who were injured are receiving hospital treatment, the sources said.

Established in 1997, Shuangma Chemical Plant mainly produces edible palm oil, or stearic acid.

The blast has not caused severe air or water pollution, according to local environmental protection authorities.

An investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing.