JINAN, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- One person died and another went missing after an explosion ripped through a chemical plant Saturday in east China's Shandong Province, local authorities said.

The blast occurred at around 10:50 a.m. at the plant in an economic development zone in Linshu County while maintenance work was under way, according to the county government.

Six people were injured in the blast, including two who sustained serious wounds. They are being treated in the hospital.

The cause of the blast is being investigated.