Society

Death toll rises to 23 in S China fireworks blast

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-07 09:13

GUANGZHOU - The death toll in a fireworks explosion on February 26 in south China's Guangdong province rose to 23 after police discovered two bodies hidden by villagers, the provincial government said Saturday.

The police previously found 13 bodies at the site of the accident in Shiqiaotou village of Puning city. Eight injured people died later at hospital.

During the investigation, the police discovered two bodies hidden by the victims' families, said an official with the province's Emergency Management Office.

A family in the village set off fireworks on February 26 in celebration of Lunar New Year and the flame ignited other fireworks on the ground, causing the huge explosion.

Among 48 injured, 14 have been discharged from hospital and others were in stable conditions, the official said.