Pakistan, May 28 -- A powerful explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China killed at least five people on Tuesday, while six others remain missing and 19 sustained injuries, officials confirmed.

The blast occurred around noon at the Youdao Chemical plant in Gaomi, Shandong province, roughly 450 kilometers southeast of Beijing, according to the Xinhua news . The plant specializes in producing low-toxicity pesticides and employs around 300 people.

Videos circulating on Chinese media showed a huge grey smoke cloud rising above the plant, flames tearing through the facility, and shop windows shattered by the force of the explosion. Debris and damaged vehicles were also seen scattered across nearby roads.

Emergency services responded qui...