The death toll from a blast at an explosives factory in eastern China has risen to 13, with 19 injured and 10 still missing, state media reported.

The blast occurred on Monday at a plant belonging to the Baoli Minbai Jinan Science and Technology Co., Ltd. in Zhangqiu City of eastern Shandong province, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

Footage from official broadcaster CCTV showed rescuers with sniffer dogs and excavators digging through the debris in search of survivors.

China has had a dire industrial safety record despite long-standing efforts by the ruling Communist Party to improve workplace conditions for more than 150 million migrant workers.

Factors including rising wage and material costs have eroded margins and pressured many factory owners to skimp on workplace safety.

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