'Explosion at chemical plant in east China, casualties unknown'

Shanghai: An explosion hit a chemical plant on Saturday night in eastern China, the official Xinhua state news agency said, citing local authorities.

No casualties have been reported yet, Xinhua said.

The blast, which triggered a fire, happened around 8.50pm local time in Huantai county in Shandong province.

The explosion occurred at a factory of Shandong`s Runxing Chemical company, according to the official People`s Daily.

More than 10 fire engines were at the scene trying to put out the fire, the People`s Daily reported, citing an eyewitness.

Windows shattered in the village where the blast occurred, state media said, and tremors reverberated within 2 kilometres (1 mile) of the site of the explosion.

The explosion comes after two huge blasts ripped through a warehouse storing dangerous chemicals in Tianjin on Aug. 12 killing at least 121 people.