China explosion: City of Shandong rocked as huge blast rips through chemical factory

A massive explosion has ripped through a region in China.

Bright flames and black smoke were seen from what is thought to be a chemical factory this evening.

The explosion was seen and heard in the industrial zone of Lijin, Dongying City of Shandong, just before 11.30pm local time.

It is not yet known if there are any injuries or fatalities.

The explosion was reported by the People's Daily newspaper - the Communist Party-owned publication.

No further details have yet been released.

The blast comes just a fortnight after another huge explosion in the country killed dozens and injured hundreds.

The explosion a fortnight ago was so large that they were seen by satellites in space, sent shockwaves through apartment blocks kilometres away in the port city of 15 million people.

It is also the SECOND blast to occur in Shandong, after a previous one injured eight people just over a week ago.