Two people were killed and seven others were injured when an explosion took place in a factory building in Aksu City of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday, rescuers confirmed on Wednesday.

Eleven liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and oxygen cylinders were blown tens of meters into the air when the explosion took place in the factory building facing a petroleum company across a street at about 8:15 PM Tuesday, witnesses said.

The factory building was flattened.

The city authorities dispatched six fire engines and 40 firemen to put out the fire.

The factory produces foam for fruit package. Initial investigations found there were more than 30 LNG tanks and oxygen cylinders stored inside the factory building when the explosion occurred.

The exact number of workers working at the site is yet to be confirmed as the owner had fled after the accident.

Rescuers are still searching for workers possibly being trapped and the cause of the accident is under further investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2005)