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At least 21 people are feared dead after a chemical plant explosion in China's Hubei province.

Reports of an explosion at the site have emerged this afternoon, with five wounded alongside the fatalities.

A picture from the scene in Dangyang, shows firefighters battling large flames at the chemical plant.

The incident unfolded after a high pressure steam tube broke, authorities have confirmed.

Among the five wounded, three are said to have serious injures.

The tragedy is reminiscent of a similar incident last year, when there was another chemical plant explosion in the Zhejiang province.

And in January this year another explosion was seen in the south-central Chinese city of Lengshuijiang.

The tragedy has been confirmed to CCTV, China's state broadcaster.