Chinese fireworks blast kills 16

An explosion at an unlicensed fireworks factory in south-west China has killed at least 16 people and injured 15 more, state media has said.

The blast happened early on Sunday morning at a workshop in Chongqing province's Xiushan county, Xinhua news agency reported.

Three houses were destroyed and at least one person was reported missing.

Rescuers were searching through the rubble and the number of casualties could rise, Xinhua said.

An investigation into the cause of the blast is under way.

Several hundred people die each year in Chinese fireworks factories, often in unregulated and sub-standard premises.

Last year, officials announced plans to tackle the number of deaths in the fireworks industry.