Eight killed in east China factory blast

The death toll has risen to eight in a chemical plant explosion on Wednesday in east China's Jiangsu Province, local authorities said Saturday.

The last body was found at the scene as of 5:14 p.m. Saturday, bringing the death toll of the blast at Shuangma Chemical Plant in Rugao City to eight, according to sources with the city's publicity department.

The nine injured people are receiving hospital treatment and in stable conditions, the source said.

Established in 1997, Shuangma Chemical Plant mainly produces edible palm oil.

The blast has not caused severe air or water pollution, according to local environmental protection authorities.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.