26 dead in fireworks factory blast in China

PTI

Beijing

At least 26 people were killed and 61 others injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province, officials said on Tuesday.

The explosion occurred on Monday afternoon at the plant operated by the Huasheng fireworks manufacturing and display company in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha, the provincial capital.

Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed massive destruction of property spanning several kilometres.

More than 480 rescuers, organised into five teams, have been deployed for relief operations, with three rescue robots pressed into service.

Officials said 26 people were killed and 61 others were injured. The injured have been rushed to hospitals for treatment.