Eighteen people died and 10 others were injured in a chemical explosion in east China's Shandong Province Wednesday.

The explosion took place about 4:00 PM Wednesday as workers were unloading a lacquer-curing agent from a truck in Lanshan District, Linyi City in Shandong, local fire control authorities said.

The main ingredients of lacquer curing agent are xylene and butyl acetate. Both are inflammable and poisonous.

Seven people died at the scene and 11 others died of injuries after they were rushed to hospital.

A fire caused by the explosion was put out by 4:30 PM. A total of 26 fire engines and 91 fire-fighters were sent to the scene.

Investigation into the accident is under way.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2009)