February 24, an explosion at a starch factory in north China killed 13 people, left 5 missing and wounded 50 others.

The blast ripped through the Qinhuangdao Lihua Starch workshop in Funing County, in Qinhuangdao City, Chinese Xinhua agency reports. According to the source, health state of nine injured is esteemed as grave.

Under preliminary data, fire safety measures’ violation at the factory caused the accident. It was a dust explosion, a city government spokesman said.

An investigation is launched to clarify details.

L.A.