The 2014 Kunshan explosion (Chinese: 2014年昆山中荣工厂爆炸事故; pinyin: 2014 Nián Kūnshān Zhōngróng Gōngchǎng Bàozhà Shìgù) was a dust explosion that occurred at Zhongrong Metal Production Company, an automotive parts factory located in Kunshan, Jiangsu, China, on 2 August 2014. As of December 30, 2014, the explosion killed 146 workers and injured 114 others.[3]
Date | August 2, 2014 |
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Time | 7:37 a.m. (UTC+8)[1] |
Location | Kunshan Zhongrong Metal Products Co., Ltd. Kunshan, Jiangsu, China |
Cause | Dust explosion[2] |
Deaths | 146[3] |
Non-fatal injuries | 114[3] |
A massive explosion occurred at the factory at 7:37 a.m. At the time, more than 260 people were present,[4] which was more than the usual number of employees working since overtime wages were doubled during the weekends.[4] 44 people died at the scene of the explosion, while another 31 died at local hospitals.[5] Five hospitals in Kunshan and nearby Suzhou treated over 180 wounded.[6] It is believed the explosion may have been caused by flames igniting metal polishing dust.[7]