Inner Mongolia plant blast caused by multiple failings, report finds

A deadly explosion at an industrial plant in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, which killed 10 people and injured 84, has been attributed to a series of failures including poor maintenance, design flaws, and inadequate oversight. The blast occurred earlier this year at a Baotou Steel Group plant.

An official report released Sunday by the Inner Mongolian emergency management department revealed the explosion resulted from a leak in a steam storage pressure vessel, caused by corrosion on its inner wall. Debris from the explosion was scattered up to 5km, disrupting local rail services.

The report detailed deficiencies in the vessel's design, manufacturing defects, insufficient daily maintenance, chaotic safety management, and improper on-site emergency response. Authorities in Baotou city and the Kundulun district were also criticized for failing to fulfill their regulatory duties.

Prosecutors have approved the arrest of seven plant employees, with further investigations recommended for six others. The Baotou Steel Group and other involved firms have faced penalties, and local authorities submitted a written self-criticism to higher government levels.

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The accident exposed deficiencies and manufacturing defects in the vessel’s design, inadequate daily maintenance at the plant, chaotic safety management and improper on-site emergency response.