Rescue efforts end for deadly chemical truck explosion in north China

Rescue work came to a close for a chemical truck explosion in the city of Zhangjiakou, northern China's Hebei Province, Wednesday, which caused 23 deaths and 22 injuries.

No air pollution had been detected according to the on-site environmental monitoring and sampling, said Guo Ying, executive vice mayor of Zhangjiakou.

A truck carrying combustible chemicals exploded in Qiaodong District in the city of Zhangjiakou at 12:40am Wednesday, causing a series of blasts of nearby vehicles.

A total of 23 people were confirmed dead, and the injured are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, said a source of the city's fire department.

The fire was extinguished as of Wednesday afternoon.

According to a preliminary investigation, the truck carrying acetylene exploded when entering the Haipo'er New Energy Technology Co Ltd, near Hebei Shenghua Chemical Industry, a big chemical enterprise.

The blast ignited 38 trucks and 12 cars nearby.

The blasts and ensuing fire also damaged a high-voltage power line, leading to a power outage at four communication base stations and several companies including Haipo'er New Energy Technology.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a work team to the site to guide rescue work, while the local government is verifying the identities of the victims.

Further investigation is underway.