Two killed, 12 missing in northeast China refinery blast

Thirty people were also lightly injured in the incident

File photo: Relatives look for a missing worker at the pesticide plant owned by Tianjiayi Chemical following an explosion, in Xiangshui county, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China, Mar 23, 2019

Two people were killed and another 12 missing after an explosion at a refinery and chemical plant in northeast China, state television reported on Monday.

The explosion occurred at 3:13 pm (0713 GMT) on Sunday at Panjin Haoye Chemical Co Ltd while workers were carrying out maintenance work at an alkylation facility.

Panjin Haoye is an independent refinery and chemical producer in the city of Panjin in Liaoning province.

Thirty people were also lightly injured, according to the TV report, which said the fire has been brought under control.