Shanxi, Feb. 8 -- An explosion at a biotechnology company in Shuozhou, in northern China's Shanxi Province, claimed the lives of eight people early Saturday morning, authorities confirmed on Sunday, reported Global Times.

The tragic incident has prompted a formal investigation, while rescue and cleanup operations continue at the scene.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the blast occurred in a production workshop of the company located in Shanyin County, a mountainous region over 40 kilometers from the county seat. Thick yellowish smoke was still seen rising from the site as emergency responders worked throughout the weekend.

By 9:30 am (local time) on Sunday, officials had confirmed that eight people had died as a result o...