Huge explosion rocks a chemical plant in eastern China

His home shook from the blast, he said. 

As he went to the window to see what was wrong, he saw a tall column of smoke from the site, more than 7km away. 

The explosion happened at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co, which is in an industrial park in the city of Weifang. 

It manufactures pesticides as well as chemicals for medical use, and has more than 500 employees according to corporate registration records. 

Rescuers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident, but authorities have yet to announce if there are any casualties. 

Local fire officials sent more than 230 personnel to the scene, according to CCTV.