Blast in chemical plant in eastern China kills 64

BEIJING

The death toll from Thursday's explosion in a chemical plant in eastern China has risen to 64 while 94 remain in critical condition, said Chinese state media.

Another 617 people were injured while 26 people who died have been identified, said state news agency Xinhua.

The blast took place at a plant run by Tianjiayi Chemical in Yancheng.

After the explosion, 176 fire brigade trucks and nearly 1,000 fire fighters were dispatched to the scene while schools nearby were closed.

People residing around the chemical plant were evacuated. Nearly 90 houses were damaged by the explosion.

A fire that broke after the explosion was brought under control on Friday, state TV said.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blast.

* Writing by Faruk Zorlu