14 Dead, 160 Hurt In Zhejiang Oil Truck Blast

The number of people killed in a tanker truck explosion on a highway in Zhejiang province on Saturday has climbed to 18, with nearly 200 more injured, local authorities said on Sunday.

The impact of the blast caused some nearby rural homes and factories to collapse, according to a government announcement on social media, and sent huge clouds of black smoke billowing into the air as flames engulfed several cars on and near the highway.

The accident happened at 4:40pm on the expressway outside Wenling city, a notice from the local government said.

Dramatic video footage published by state media showed a huge ball of fire shooting into the air as people screamed.

In one clip, a large piece of debris shoots into the air before crashing onto some nearby buildings.

Another video shows the remains of the tanker and several truck tyres smashed into a building which had been reduced to rubble.

Emergency responders were still battling to free trapped victims on Saturday evening, and injured people had been sent to hospital for treatment, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Multiple highway exits were closed, according to local police statements on social media. (AFP)

Last updated: 2020-06-14 HKT 10:36