• Two killed and 84 injured in massive factory explosion in northern China
• Authorities investigate cause of the incident amid eight people still missing

Chinese state media reported that a huge explosion at a factory in northern China left two dead and 84 others injured, while eight people remain missing.

The blast occurred around 15:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Sunday at the Baogang United Steel plant in Inner Mongolia, causing noticeable tremors in the area.

Footage circulating online showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, while debris covered the ground, including collapsed ceilings and pipes.

Official sources stated that five of the dozens of injured were hospitalized in critical condition, and authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion.

The plant is one of China’s largest state-owned iron and steel companies.

China has a history of deadly industrial accidents, including factory explosions, mine collapses, and mudslides.

In 2015, massive explosions at Tianjin port killed 173 people and injured hundreds, causing widespread destruction across large parts of the city.

Last May, an explosion at a chemical plant in eastern Shandong province killed five people and injured at least 19, with windows of nearby buildings ripped from their frames.