Jiangsu, China (BBN)-An explosion at a factory in eastern China has killed at least 65 people, according to Chinese state media.

More than 100 people were injured in the blast in Kunshan, a city in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China’s official Xinhua news agency said.

Pictures posted online showed people with burns sitting on the ground outside a factory complex from which black smoke was billowing, reports BBC.

Rescue efforts are under way as officials investigate the explosion.

China Central Television (CCTV) identified the factory as belonging to Zhongrong Plating.

The company manufactures car parts and employs about 450 workers. Its clients include US giant General Motors, CCTV reported.

State media reports say that explosion took place inside a wheel hub polishing workshop and that more than 200 workers were at the site at the time of the explosion.

Industrial accidents are relatively common in China, says the BBC’s John Sudworth in Shanghai, although figures show safety in some industries has been improving in recent years.

BBN/AS-02Aug14-11:00am (BST)