Explosion hits E China factory

An explosion hit a chemical factory in the city of Liaocheng in east China's Shandong Province on Saturday afternoon, local authorities said.

The accident occurred at Luxi Chemical Factory in Liaocheng, sources with the city's publicity department said.

Casualties are under further verification, the source said.

The factory, located in Dong'e county, produces refined chemicals as sulfuric acid and chemical fertilizer.