According to local media reports, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has fired three executives held responsible for the explosion at its Jilin Petroleum and Chemical Company that led to a severe chemical spill.

Yu Li, manager of the Jilin company, was removed from his position and will go through the inspection of the working teams from the State Council and Jilin Province.

Shen Dian, former manager of CNPC's Liaoyang branch, was appointed as his successor.

Shen Dongming, director of the plant where the blast occurred, and Wang Fang, superintendent of the benzene workshop were also removed from their posts.