(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-10-25 22:06

CHONGQING -- The death toll from Sunday's fireworks plant explosion in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has risen to 17, with two missing and another 15 injured, according to the latest information from the local government on Thursday.

The explosion occurred around 7:20 a.m. Sunday in a firecracker workshop in the remote Hong'an Town, Xiushan County, which is mainly inhabited by Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, said a spokesman from the county's government.

Of the 15 injured, four, including two children, were severely wounded. They have been admitted to the Southwest Hospital and the Chongqing Children's Hospital. Details about their conditions have not been released.

The blast also demolished three houses, the source said.

The workshop is a privately owned one without a permit. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.