Reuters says an explosion at an Argentine grains terminal owned by China's Cofco International on Wednesday has killed one worker and injured others, according to the conglomerate.
The cause of the blast is not yet known but it could impact the flow of food exports from Argentina as unions representing grains inspectors and crushing workers said they would strike today for better safety conditions, Reuters reported.
Television images showed thick black smoke pouring from a 52,000-square-metre grains processing plant. The facility is part of Argentina's shipping hub of Rosario in Sante Fe province, Reuters said.
Cofco said eight other workers were taken to hospital for treatment, according to Reuters.
Cofco confirmed that the explosion occurred at the loading area of its facilities at Puerto General San Martin in Rosario.
Alejandro Vega, a correspondent for P&I Club in Argentina, said the blast happened in a horizontal silo, and approximately 15 people in total were injured.
Cofco said the site has been shut down and the company has launched a full internal investigation, Reuters reported.
The facility can store 295,000 tonnes of grain and 105,000 tonnes of soymeal and takes in 27,000 tonnes of grain per day.
Cofco bought the plant from Dutch grain trader Nidera in 2014.
