Society

Fireworks blast kills 6, injures 4 in N. China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-12 20:12

SHIJIAZHUANG -- Six people were killed and four were wounded when fireworks exploded at a village recycling station in north China's Hebei Province Saturday, local authorities said Sunday.

The accident occurred in Qianying Village, Dongwang Township, Dingzhou City, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, said a Dingzhou City Government spokesman.

The explosion immediately killed two and injured seven. Three of the injured seven died despite medical treatment. While clearing up the debris, local villagers found one more body, the business owner's daughter.

The owner of the station, surnamed Ma, and his four family members, were among the dead. The other victim was a 12-year-old girl from the neighborhood who had made a casual visit to the station.

A preliminary investigation showed the explosion was caused by the illegal storage of fireworks at the station.

Local police said they will continue to investigate the accident.