A severe explosion occurred at a rare earth steel plate factory in Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, resulting in at least 2 deaths, 5 missing persons, and over 60 injuries. High-ranking local officials have personally taken charge of managing the situation.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, a powerful explosion took place inside the rare earth steel plate factory of Baogang United Steel in Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern China, at around 15:00 on Sunday afternoon (18 Jan).
Local authorities reported that the explosion was so intense it produced thick smoke billowing into the sky, and the blast pressure shattered windows of nearby homes, leading to at least 2 fatalities and 5 missing persons.
Emergency management and firefighting agencies revealed that by 17:30, 66 injured individuals had been transported to hospitals, with 3 in critical condition. Meanwhile, rescue teams from both the autonomous region and Baotou city—including firefighters, police, and specialized medical teams—are continuing their search for missing workers inside the factory.