UPDATE - Factory explosion kills 2 people in northern China

UPDATES FIGURES; CHANGES DECK, LEDE

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - A factory explosion in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Sunday killed at least two people and left two others missing, with dozens injured, officials said, according to state-run media.

The incident took place at around 3 pm (0700GMT) at a plate manufacturing plant operated by Baogang United Steel in western Baotou City, with the blast causing strong vibrations felt in nearby areas, Xinhua News reported.

By 7.50 pm (1150GMT) Sunday, emergency management and fire rescue departments confirmed two fatalities and two missing persons.

A total of 78 people were taken to hospitals for medical care, including four who are in critical condition.

Rescue teams from both regional and municipal authorities have been deployed to the site, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

Earlier on Sunday, Xinhua reported that five people were missing and 66 were injured, which was later revised to two missing and 78 injured.