The work safety committee office of the State Council said Wednesday that a logistic service company blamed for a fatal explosion which killed 18 people on September 2 in Shandong Province was illegal.

The office said in a statement on its website that eight tones of H vesicant, which was piled up in the company after being unloaded, caught fire at 3:30 PM on September 2 and exploded.

The fire, which left 10 people injured, was put out by 4:30 PM.

H vesicant is mainly used in the rubber industry and plastic products. It is inflammable or explosive when catching fire or violently clashed upon.

An investigation for further details is under way, the statement said.

Authorities in Shandong Province said on September 3 that Lin Huaqing, the owner of the company, had been detained at home for inquiries.

The statement also urged local authorities to step up safety checks before the National Day holiday and crack down on illegal transportation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2009)