9 killed, 60 injured in Jiangxi fireworks factory blasts
( 2001-12-31 09:50 ) (8 )

Nine people were killed and more than 60 injured in a series of explosions which ripped apart a fireworks factory in the south-east Chinese province of Jiangxi on Sunday.

An initial explosion in a warehouse set off a series of blasts which destroyed 10 of the 11 separate buildings within the factory complex, in Huangmao town of Wanzai district. Only the building containing the factory's offices was left standing.

An initial investigation said the blast was the result of human error, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The factory belongs to a company called Panda, which exports fireworks, Xinhua said.

Shockwaves from the blasts could be felt 60 kilometres away in the regional capital, according to a resident quoted by the Yangcheng Evening News from Guangzhou.

Local officials had arrived at the site of the accident to oversee search and rescue operations.