URUMQI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Two were killed and eight injured Sunday in a chemical factory blast in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to the regional work safety watchdog.

The explosion at 6:58 a.m. in the Yihua chemical plant in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture left two dead at the scene, and a further three in serious condition. Five had minor injuries.

The regional work safety administration said the explosion took place at one of the calcium carbide furnaces of the plant.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.