Chinese fireworks factory explosion kills 13

An explosion in an illegal fireworks plant in east China killed 13 workers, state news agency Xinhua said today.

An explosion in an illegal fireworks plant in east China killed 13 workers, state news agency Xinhua said today.

The explosion, which comes three weeks before the Lunar New Year holidays, occured in an abandoned kiln that was being used illegally to make fireworks, said Xinhua.

The owner of the plant said 16 people were working in the plant yesterday when it exploded, wounding another two people.

Local police have arrested the owner of the operation and are investigating the explosion, said Xinhua.

Reuters