Powerful blast at petrochemical plant in China: report

BEIJING: An explosion so powerful it could be heard 40 kilometres (25 miles) away ripped through a petrochemical plant in northeast China early Sunday, state media said.

No casualties were immediately reported after the blast, which occurred at 5:46 am (2146 GMT Saturday) near Liaoyang city in Liaoning province, according to Xinhua news agency.

More than 30 fire engines rushed to the scene, and the blaze was brought under control within two hours of the accident, the agency said. Local officials could not immediately be reached for comment when contacted by AFP early Sunday.