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Tuesday, 23 October 2007, 05:25 GMT 06:25 UK

Chinese fireworks blast kills 16

Xiushan map 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.



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Related to this story:
China to tackle workplace deaths (29 Aug 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
Chinese fireworks blast kills 36 (30 Jan 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
Chinese fireworks blast kills 25 (12 Jan 05 |  Asia-Pacific )
China firecracker blast kills 16 (10 Jun 04 |  Asia-Pacific )
China fireworks industry shake-up (27 Nov 03 |  Asia-Pacific )

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