A powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China has left at least five people dead and six missing, according to local authorities. The blast occurred just before noon on May 27 at the Shandong Youdao Chemical facility in the city of Gaomi, in Shandong province, sending a massive cloud of gray and orange smoke into the sky and shattering windows in nearby buildings.
Officials reported that 19 others suffered minor injuries. Emergency crews were deployed to the scene, and rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, which occurred inside one of the plant's workshops.
Accidents happen, and when mishap and misfortune strike in an industrial scenario, the results are very often tragic. Take a look at this gallery of some truly dreadful disasters that have claimed lives and injured many others.