TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — There was an explosion on a Taiwanese-owned cargo ship docked in China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan Port exploded on Friday (Aug. 9) after dangerous materials were improperly stored onboard. 

The explosion occurred at 1:40 p.m. aboard the Yang Ming Mobility, which is operating under a Liberian flag, per Reuters. Video footage of the incident, showed a large fireball and mushroom cloud rising over the dock, and shrapnel littering the area. 

Before the blast, a worker reportedly noticed smoke coming from a cargo container on deck and notified the port authorities. The entire ship and dock area was evacuated immediately, which likely saved the lives of those working onboard. 

The Ningbo Search and Rescue Center reported that there were no serious injuries as a result of the accident, according to Chinese state media. However, some local businesses and port infrastructure were damaged in the blast. 

The ship, owned by Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport company, was docked at the second berth of the Beilun terminal, and was carrying dangerous goods. Some reports indicate the ship’s crew may have failed to ensure the hazardous materials were stored at a safe temperature.

The vessel was reportedly carrying category five dangerous goods, which required refrigeration. The materials were loaded in Shanghai, and were in transit to a country in the Middle East, per UDN.