Ningbo, China— A dust explosion ripped through a metal polishing workshop in the Beilun industrial zone at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, killing one worker and injuring seven others, three critically, after aluminum dust ignited.
The workshop, part of an auto parts supplier, had 18 workers on shift grinding aluminum alloy casings. Ventilation ducts were clogged with fine dust. A spark from a grinding wheel reportedly ignited a suspended cloud, triggering a flash blast that blew out windows and collapsed a partition wall.
One worker near the ignition point, a 38-year-old polisher, died at the scene from burns and blast trauma. Seven others suffered burns, hearing damage, and lacerations. Three were transferred to Ningbo No.2 Hospital burn unit in critical condition.
"The air was hazy. Then a bright flash and bang. Everyone fell. Dust was burning in the air," said a co-worker who escaped with minor burns and asked not to be named.
Fire brigades extinguished residual fires and ventilated the hall. Safety inspectors found dust accumulation up to 3 centimeters on beams and no functioning dust collection system. The workshop had no explosion venting panels.
"Dust explosions need fuel, oxygen, ignition. This workshop had all three, plus no housekeeping. Aluminum dust is especially explosive," a municipal work safety inspector said at a briefing.
Ningbo Emergency Management Bureau ordered suspension of all metal polishing lines in the industrial zone pending inspection. The company, Ningbo Precision Auto Parts Co., had been fined in 2024 for dust violations but continued operations.
China has suffered repeated fatal dust explosions, including a 2014 Kunshan disaster that killed 146. Regulations require daily cleaning and anti-static equipment for aluminum dust, but enforcement remains uneven.
The company said it would pay compensation and cover medical costs. Families gathered at the hospital gate Tuesday evening.
Prosecutors will review whether to file criminal negligence charges once technical findings are released within 48 hours.
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