BEIJING, August 26, SPA -- Explosions hit a chemical plant Tuesday inSouthwest China, killing at least four people, injuring 44and prompting the evacuation of thousands of nearbyresidents, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The first explosion occurred at around 6 a.m. in Yizhoucity in Guangxi province, Xinhua said, adding that 17people were missing following the accident. The explosions continued until 1 p.m., spreading fire overa nearly 108,000-square-foot (10,000-square-meter) area,Xinhua said, citing an unidentified firefighter in therescue operation. The government started evacuating more than 10,000residents in case of further blasts and chemical leaks,Xinhua said.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/584981