The head of China’s second-largest oil company apologised on Saturday for a crude oil explosion that killed at least 47 people in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao.
A damaged pipeline leaked crude oil into city storm sewers in the early hours of Friday morning. Two massive explosions ripped through city streets hours later, while workers were attempting to repair the leak and contain oil spreading from the drainage outlets into the bay. The precise cause of the original damage to the line and of the subsequent explosions is under investigation.
In addition to those killed, more than 130 people have been injured, many severely. Photographs from Qingdao showed bodies with limbs missing, shattered pavement and cars flung against trees.