Update: Factory blast in China's Inner Mongolia kills 2, leaves 2 missing, 78 hospitalized

Xinhua
18 Jan 2026, 21:45 GMT+10

HOHHOT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from an explosion at a factory in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region remained at two, with the number of missing persons revised down to two, and 78 people hospitalized, according to the latest official update on Sunday.

The blast occurred at around 3 p.m. on Sunday at a plate plant of Baogang United Steel in western Baotou City.

As of 7:50 p.m. on Sunday, local authorities reported two fatalities and two people missing. Seventy-eight individuals have been sent to hospitals for treatment, four of whom suffered serious injuries.

A major rescue operation is underway. Forces from the autonomous region, Baotou City and its Kundulun District have been mobilized. The police have deployed over 170 personnel, more than 70 vehicles and five drones to the scene. Fire and rescue services have dispatched over 130 personnel.

The cause of the blast, which caused noticeable tremors in surrounding areas, remains under investigation.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Afghanistan Sun.

More Information

International

Section

Trump to punish UK and European allies over Greenland opposition

U.S. President Donald Trump has hit out at countries that have objected to his plans to seize Greenland whether by agreement or by...

Millions face higher health bills as ACA subsidies lapse

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: As the main enrollment window for subsidized U.S. health insurance plans closes, millions of Americans are heading...

Trump signs bill to overturn Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump signed a bill on January 14 that overturned Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk options, signaling...

Construction crane falls onto moving train killing 32 in Thailand

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand: At least 32 passengers were killed on January 14 when a construction crane crashed onto a moving passenger...

Actor Timothy Busfield faces charges of child sex abuse in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico: Facing charges of child sex abuse, Emmy award-winning actor Timothy Busfield was ordered held without bond...

Hong Kong court hears pleas by Apple Daily staff for lighter sentences

HONG KONG: Former executives of Apple Daily, the now-defunct, pro-democracy newspaper founded by media mogul Jimmy Lai, finished pleading...

Central Asia

Section