Victims identified in E.China fireworks explosion

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-03 19:32

JINAN -- Local government officials said Sunday that 13 people killed in a fireworks explosion in Qingyun County of eastern China's Shandong Province have been identified.

The explosion took place at an unlicensed fireworks factory in Yangzhuangzi Village of Qingyun Town, Qingyun County, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Two people were injured, and they remain hospitalized in stable condition.

The 13 deceased are all workers of the plant, 10 women and three men, aged 27 to 66. Twelve were from Zhuji Town of Laoling City, and one from Bianjia Village of Qingyun Town.

The unlicensed production was organized by Yang Hongyin, from Yangzhuangzi Village of Qingyun, and Wang Qingguo, from Xiaosunzhai Village of Laoling.

Wang died in the explosion, while police are seeking Yang, who is still at large.

Qingyun is about three hours' bus ride from Jinan, the provincial capital.