The death toll resulting from the chemical plant blast in north China's port city of Tianjin rose to seven with another person still missing as of 11:30 PM Monday, said rescuers. At least three others were injured in the explosion and have been hospitalized.

The blast occurred at about 3:00 p.m. at the workshop of the Yikun (Tianjin) Refined Chemical Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., which is located at the Xinda Industrial Park of Jinnan District in southern Tianjin.

The blast caused the rupture of an ammonia pipeline which is now being repaired. However, there was no significant leakage of ammonia, according to fire-fighters at the scene.

Ammonia is a colorless and pungent gas which is widely used in the production of fertilizer and a variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals.

The workshop has been leveled and the blast started a fire which has been extinguished. Workers at the Xinda Industrial Park were evacuated.

Upon receiving the report, Tianjin Mayor Dai Xianglong and other local officials went to the scene to assist with rescue operations.

Yikun, originally the Tianjin Perfume Factory founded in 1985, makes fragrances used in the manufacture of cosmetics, soap, detergent, face cream and perfume.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2006)