Factory blast in east China kills at least 65

A factory blast in China's eastern industrial province of Jiangsu has killed at least 65 people and injured more than 100 others, Chinese state media said on Saturday, citing government sources.

State news agency Xinhua said the blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday in the city of Kunshan in Jiangsu after an explosion ripped through a workshop that polishes wheel hubs.

Images on China Central Television (CCTV) showed large plumes of black smoke billowing from a low-rise building with other images showing the injured lying on wooden pallets and being loaded on to trucks and ambulances.

CCTV identified the factory as Zhongrong Plating. Zhongrong's website said the firm employs 450 workers and counts General Motors and other U.S. companies as clients.

When the explosion happened, more than 200 workers were at the site and 40 died immediately, CCTV said.

The state broadcaster said rescue work is underway and authorities are still trying to verify the number of casualties.