Officials in China are blaming poor safety measures for a blast that killed 71 people at an auto parts factory near Shanghai Saturday.
The official Xinhua News Agency quotes officials in eastern Kushan City as saying the explosion was probably triggered when dust in an enclosed room was exposed to a spark or flame. Nearly 180 others were injured in the blast, many with severe burns.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has demanded a full investigation of the accident and harsh punishment for those found responsible. State Councilor Wang Yong visited Zhongrong factory late Saturday and promised a timely and transparent disclosure of information according to Xinhua.
At least two senior executives of the Taiwan-owned factory have been taken into police custody as part of the investigation.
