China flight to Urumqi forced to land for 'security reasons': Source

BEIJIN (REUTERS) - A Chinese flight from Shanghai to the western city Urumqi was forced to land in Nanjing on Thursday due to "national security reasons", an airline employee said.

The employee of Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines Co. declined to give his name and said he could not provide any further information.

Blasts at a street market in Urumqi, located in the restive far-west region of Xinjiang, killed 31 people and injured 94 on Thursday.

Chinese authorities have labelled the attack an act of terrorism.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.