12 Chinese confirmed dead in S. Korea explosion

China's foreign ministry has confirmed 12 Chinese nationals are dead and another is seriously injured, after a warehouse explosion in South Korea.

President Hu Jintao has extended his condolences to the victims. He has urged relevant departments in China to keep in close contact with South Korea and ensure the injured receive treatment. And Premier Wen Jiabao has called on South Korea to properly handle the aftermath of the accident.

China's Ambassador to South Korea, Ning Fukui, has met South Korean Assistant Foreign Minister Shim Yoon-jo. Ning expressed concern about the casualties from the blaze.

So far police have confirmed the identities of two Chinese victims. Chinese diplomats are working with South Korean officials to handle the aftermath of the tragedy.

The blast occurred in the city of Icheon in the basement of a two-storey warehouse Monday morning. The fire was extinguished late Monday night. Latest reports confirm 40 people died in the accident.