70 killed at factory producing textile chemical intermediaries

YANCHENG – A huge chemical plant explosion in China has killed at least 70 people and injured hundreds of others. 640 people were hospitalised following the explosion at the Chenjiagang Industrial Park in the city of Yancheng, in the Jiangsu province on China’s east coast.The blast took place at Tianjiayi Chemical Co, a fine chemical company which produces more than 30 organic chemical compounds and which, we understand, specialises in producing m- and p-phenylenediamine. Both compounds are precursors for polymers, resins and textile dyes and, as such, what is one of China’s worst industrial accidents in years could also have major ramifications for the price of intermediaries for textile dyes and chemicals.