A powerful explosion at a major steel plant in northern China has left two people dead and dozens more injured, according to state media reports.
Blast Rocks Industrial City
The factory explosion occurred at approximately 3 p.m. local time on Sunday, 18 January 2026. The incident took place at a facility operated by Baogang United Steel in the industrial city of Baotou, located in China's Inner Mongolia region.
Witnesses reported the blast sent heavy plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The force of the detonation was significant enough to cause noticeable tremors in the surrounding areas, alarming local residents.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The human cost of the disaster is severe. China's official Xinhua news agency confirmed that the incident killed two people and left 66 others hospitalised. Of those injured, three are reported to be in a serious condition.
Furthermore, the situation remains critical as five individuals are still missing following the blast. Emergency rescue crews rushed to the scene immediately to search for survivors and secure the area.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the sudden and devastating industrial accident is not yet known. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine what triggered the explosion at the steel plant.
Such incidents highlight ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards in major manufacturing hubs. The focus for now remains on the rescue operation and supporting the injured and the families of the victims.
