China chemical warehouse explosion: 'Strong noxious smell' after fire in eastern city of Jingjiang

The city government said the situation at the site in Jiangsu Province was 'under control' and there were no casualties

Emergency services were on the scene (Weibo)

A warehouse containing chemicals and fuel has exploded in the city of Jingjiang in the east of China.

The city government said the situation at the site in Jiangsu Province was “under control” and there were no casualties.

However, some people in the area were suffering from shortness of breath and chest pains after a large fire began, according to local news outlets.

Emergency services could be seen fighting the flames on pictures posted to Chinese social media.

Photos also appeared to show a huge column of smoke emanating from the site.


 A picture of the fire posted to Chinese social media 
 (Weibo)


 Another view of the fire, posted to Chinese social media 
 (Weibo)

Eyewitnesses reported a strong noxious smell spreading in the area.

It is believed methanol was one of the main substances which fuelled the blast.

Despite the severity of the fire, local officials said the situation had returned to "normal" near the site.

In August 2015, the series of enormously destructive Tianjin explosions killed 173 people after warehouses containing chemicals, including fertilizer ingredient ammonium nitrate, exploded.

The incident led to calls for tighter industrial regulations.