Huge blast rocks Chinese chemical plant, authorities launch rescue operation

A large explosion rocked a chemical plant in eastern China on Tuesday, spewing a towering plume of gray and orange smoke into the sky, damaging windows in nearby buildings and prompting local authorities to launch a rescue operation.

The blast took place in the workshop of Shandong Youdao Chemical in Gaomi city, Shandong province minutes before noon local time, with rescue and medical efforts currently underway, state broadcaster CCTV reported.