A workshop processing medicinal herbs exploded early on Friday in northwest China, leaving one person missing and 11 injured, said rescuers.

The accident occurred at 1:30 AM on Friday in No. 5 workshop of Huaqian Biological Technology Co. Ltd. in Hua County, Shaanxi Province.

The missing person and six of the injured were workers at the factory, and the other five injured were nearby residents, said rescuers, adding that the rescue work is continuing.

The main product of the company is artemisinin, a combustible herb used in malaria treatments.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)