The fiery aftermath of an explosion at a Chinese plastics plant Thursday. - Screencapture Via Twitter

The fiery aftermath of an explosion at a Chinese plastics plant Thursday.

Screencapture Via Twitter

Authorities report that the death toll now stands at seven in an explosion at a polyethylene plant Thursday evening in north China.

The plant is in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, 294 kilometers southwest of Beijing. At about 6 p.m., the blast rocked Promise County Chak Xin EPE, a plant specializing in expanded polyethylene for packaging.

Windows in homes surrounding the plant were shattered by the shock wave, local media report.

Fire seen from many miles away followed the explosion. Aside from the fatalities, an injured worker was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Search and rescue efforts continues at the scene. The cause remains under investigation.

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