A screenshot from a video posted by netizens showing the suspected site of the explosion in Linyi, East China's Shandong Province. Photo: Screenshot from video posted by China News Service

One person has died and two remain missing after an explosion at a single-story house in Wangqiao community in Yihe New Area, Linyi, East China's Shandong Province, at 3:38 pm on Friday, according to a statement released by the Yihe New Area authority on Friday night.

Following the explosion, local public security, fire and rescue, emergency management, housing and urban-rural development authorities formed a joint working group and immediately rushed to the scene to carry out emergency rescue operations.

As of Friday night, one person had been confirmed dead and two remained missing. Other injured people had been taken to hospital for treatment and none were in life-threatening condition. Search, rescue and cleanup operations at the site were still underway, according to the statement.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the explosion was suspected to have been caused by a tenant surnamed Wang illegally storing explosives used for illegal fishing at the property, the statement said.

Residents of nearby residential buildings have been properly accommodated, while an investigation into the cause of the accident and follow-up handling are proceeding in an orderly manner, according to the statement.

Global Times