China detains 9 over pipeline explosions

Chinese authorities have arrested nine people in relation to explosions on the oil pipeline last week that killed 55 people in the city of Qingdao, Eastern China. Seven of the detained were employees of the Sinopec Company, which owns the pipeline, while two "came from the city's economic and technological development zone," Chinese News Agency (Xinhua) reported. The accident occurred on Friday when the pipeline ruptured and crude oil began leaking, polluting an area of around 1,000 square meters. Then, the oil caught fire and exploded in two locations, the city government said. Over 160 people were injured and nine are still missing.