Multiple news outlets are reporting that an explosion has occurred at Foxconn's new manufacturing facilities in Chengdu, China, a plant that opened last year in large part to support increased iPad production. M.I.C gadget has more information and several video clips, and while the extent of the damage remains unclear, reports have indicated that at least ten fire engines and ten ambulances are on the scene.
At around 19:00 in China, Foxconn Chengdu manufacture plant got an explosion, we are not sure actually what cause the explosion and how many casualties had resulted. At the scene, there are currently more than 10 fire engines, ambulances and 10 police cars had arrived on the scene.
According to the report, the explosion occurred in building A5, which is said to house iPad 2 production.
While the potential human toll is obviously the primary concern at this time, it is also unclear just how much of an effect the incident may have on Foxconn's iPad production capabilities. Apple has been struggling to keep up with demand for the new tablet device, seeking to improve component yields and production output to address stock shortages and lengthy shipping estimates.
Update: According to The Wall Street Journal, at least two people have unfortunately been killed in the explosion. At least sixteen others have been injured, with three of those in serious condition.
Top Rated Comments
It is obviously unclear at this point just how much of an effect the incident may have on Foxconn's iPad production capabilities.
Seriously????
How about "it is obviously unclear at this point HOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE BEEN MAIMED OR KILLED and our hearts go out to them and their families"
This is terrible. I've got an iPad 2 yesterday and it came defective. I'm currently waiting for a replacement. If I do get the replacement I'll be haunted by the idea that the iPad was put together by people who died in this accident (assuming that there were fatal victims). Heck, I might just try to get a refund it that's the case...
If it haunts you I will take it.
A CCTV reporter who is at the scene now said, a witness told the reporter that the explosion happened at 19:10. And, doctor said he had already received 6-7 people injured, and more injuries are coming. The reporter was told to stay away from the building, because there might be a second explosion.
Source (http://micgadget.com/12651/breaking-foxconn-chengdu-manufacture-plant-explosion-video/)According to Ji Qing Ling’s weibo said,
“the explosion occurred in the A05, at 7 pm, the explosion caused many materials casted out from the building, and there are at least hundreds or more of workers inside the building. The whole building did not collapse yet, I do not know what is going on inside. Now there are more than 10 fire engines, 10 ambulances, many police cars.”
In addition, Sina Tech had made a call to Foxconn’s spokesperson, however his phone is on, but no one is answering. Please stay tuned on us for the latest news.
The explosion is happened in A5 building (A05), and we heard that building is also the production line of iPad 2! 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor are affected as well. The explosion is likely to cause by super-light dust.
Serious situation for the people in the plant. Much prayers are needed.
When something bad happens are we not allowed to ask other questions about the incident and what other effects it will have? Are we supposed to ONLY focus on the loss of life and injuries? Time to bring yourselves back into reality. Most people can feel bad for the families of the dead and hope that the injured workers make a full recovery while still realizing that life goes on and wanting to and expecting to know more about the overall repercussions that the incident will have.
As for how the article was written... With the way the incident unfolded the injuries and death were not immediately known, that is why the info was not included right away. That's usually how it works with mass casualty incidents, it takes a little while for that info to get out. Does that mean that MacRumors or any of the other sites should have simply put up an article saying that there was an explosion at a Foxconn plant but not pose any questions about any fall out from the incident until they could give an exact count on the injuries and then give certain people here a short break so they could feel better about themselves before asking those questions? No
I am sure that more details will be posted as they are released and MacRumors gets a chance to update.