Following the devastating explosions in Tianjin on August 12, a chemical plant exploded in Shandong on August 22.

Though there are still questions surrounding the explosions, here are the most likely causes:

• Mix of anhydrous nitric acid and oleum hot new toy this year.
• How else to get father’s attention?
• Safety inspectors too busy investigating suitcases full of money which mysteriously appeared at their doorsteps.
• Fireworks for World War II victory parade lit prematurely.
• PR company said big explosions make for a great viral video.
• Workers thought “inflammable” was antonym of “flammable.”
• Too many matchstick factories situated adjacent to sandpaper factories.
• Sometimes things just explode. / Exploding’s just a part of life.
• Ammonium nitrate has to be made somewhere.
• Insidious combination of institutional corruption, lack of engineering expertise, absence of safety standards and general disregard for human life.