進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

Two workers died in an explosion at the iPad factory in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on Friday evening. Sixteen others were injured, three seriously. The cause of the explosion was still under investigation late on Sunday.

The blast occurred, according to Xinhua News Agency, at about 7:20 pm in the polishing workshop of a company that is part of Taiwan-based electronic giant Foxconn, one of Apple Inc's most important partners for iPad assembly and parts production.

The deaths on Friday followed a string of suicides and labor disputes involving Foxconn and its client, Apple. In 2010, 13 Foxconn workers jumped from the company's buildings in Shenzhen. Eleven died. Work safety authorities in March promised increased vigilance at a factory where eight workers were exposed to a chemical used to clean the apple-shaped logo on iPads.

Apple said it is "deeply saddened by the tragedy". By late Sunday, it had not responded to questions about the possible market effect of the Foxconn explosion, whether Apple's image would be tarnished and whether Apple would consider changing manufacturers.

In China, the price of iPad 2s on the "gray market" may rise, analysts said. Apple's Chinese online store says it has sold out of the new tablets. More than 800 customers lined up, many overnight, at the Apple shop in Beijing when the device was launched in China on May 6.

The 16 injured workers were sent to nearby hospitals, according to Xinhua. The factory, in Pixian county of Chengdu, is owned by Hongfujin Precision Electronics Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Foxconn International Holdings Ltd.

CCTV reported at the site that there was heavy, suffocating smoke, but no fire was visible.

The explosion was loud. Workers and nearby residents heard the noise and felt the shock, the reporter said.

A preliminary police investigation has ruled out the possibility of a crime, while the cause of the accident is under investigation, Xinhua said.

Questions:

1. How many people were killed in the explosion?

2. How many people died jumping from the building in 2010?

3. When was the iPad2 launched in China?

Answers:

1. Two.

2. 11.

3. May 6.

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.