Victims’ families and residents allege underreporting and information lockdown.
An explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China’s Shandong province on May 27 killed at least five people, injured 19, and left six others missing, according to official reports. However, Chinese authorities have a history of underreporting major accidents, often due to concerns that local officials could face disciplinary action if casualty numbers surpass certain thresholds.
The blast occurred at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. plant in Weifang, Shandong Province. Locals told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times they believe the true death toll is significantly higher than reported. Videos circulating online showed extensive damage to nearby buildings and large plumes of smoke rising from the site.
