At least five people have died and six others are missing following a huge explosion at a chemical plant in China, according to multiple reports.

Six people remained missing and search and rescue efforts continued Wednesday morning after an explosion at a chemical plant in eastern China shook nearby buildings, killing at least five people and injuring 19.

Shattered glass from windows blown apart by an explosion at a chemical plant in China's eastern Shandong province littered the roadside for more than one kilometre on Wednesday, a day after a blast that killed at least five people.