Xinhua reported that a spillage of molten iron caused an explosion Wednesday night at a steel plant in east China Jiangxi province forcing homes to be evacuated of 123 residents.

Mr Liu Changan a senior executive at Pingxiang Steel and Iron Plant in Pingxiang city said no casualties were reported thanks to timely evacuation.

Molten iron gushed from a furnace after its cooling device broke down at around 9:50 MP. He said that "The spill caused a blast and fire broke out."

Mr Liu said the management has launched a safety overhaul of all 12 furnaces at the plant's three workshops following the incident.

The local fire brigade sent eight fire engines to the site to extinguish the flames.

(Sourced from Xinhua)