At least 22 people were dead and 22 others injured in an explosion and fire near a chemical factory in northern China today early morning.<br />''<br />'' Local Authorities said the incident happened near Hebei Shenghua Chemical Co. in Zhangjiakou, a city 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing. <br />''<br />''The injured were taken to hospital for treatment following the blast, which occurred at 00:41 am. <br />''<br />