China’s Qingdao oil pipeline explosion leaves 44 deadNovember 23, 2013 - 16:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 44 people in China have been killed in an explosion after a leaking oil pipeline caught fire in the city of Qingdao, state media has reported, according to BBC News. Chinese officials said workers were trying to repair the pipeline at the time of Friday, November 22 blast. Pictures of the scene showed shattered concrete slabs and black smoke rising. More than 100 firefighters were involved in putting out the fire. The pipeline is owned by Sinopec, China's largest oil refiner. The leak was spotted early on Friday and the explosion happened several hours later, the Qingdao government said on its official microblog. The authorities have ruled out terrorism but say the incident remains under investigation. Correspondents say that the blast ripped roads apart, turned cars over and sent thick black smoke billowing over the eastern coastal city. Reports say that the number of dead could rise - at least 136 people were injured. Because the scene of Friday morning's explosion was close to the coast, barriers were been erected to stop oil leaking into the sea, reports said. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |