China's State Councilor urges blast rescue efforts

QINGDAO - State Councilor Wang Yong, who is directing rescue work for an oil pipeline blast that killed at least 47 in East China, on Saturday urged maximum efforts to find survivors.

A team led by Wang was dispatched to direct the blast rescue work in the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province after the explosion occurred on Friday morning.

Wang, who arrived at the blast scene on Friday evening, ordered local authorities to do their utmost to search for survivors and minimize casualties.

China will mobilize the best doctors and medical resources to treat the injured and reduce disability and death, he said.

More efforts will be made to investigate pollution hazards in surrounding areas and skim oil from the ocean's surface, said the State Councilor.

A compensation package for victims should be offered as soon as possible, he said.

The State Council has decided to establish an investigation team to find the cause of the accident and hold relevant parties accountable, according to Wang.

Relevant information should be made public in a timely manner to respond to society's concerns, he said.

Wang also pledged tighter work safety supervision in key sectors, such as inflammables and explosives, to prevent similar accidents from happening again.

A leaking pipeline caught fire and exploded on Friday morning in Qingdao. The fire has been extinguished and the pipeline has been closed.