Fireworks blast kills 3, injures 11 in N China

SHIJIAZHUANG - Three people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured in a fireworks blast in North China's Hebei province on Friday, local authorities said after an initial investigation.

Further investigation has yet to verify the exact number of casualties and the identities of the deceased, sources with the local government said.

The blast occurred around 10:20 am in Yangcun village, Xingtang county, resulting in the collapse of a two-story home, according to the county's publicity department.

The home belonged to An Chunyi, the owner of a fireworks store in the township. Police said it was illegal for An to store fireworks at his home.

An was operating under an expired business license at the time of the explosion, but he was in the process of applying for a new license.

The blast damaged nearby buildings, including a kindergarten.

The injured, including two children from the kindergarten, have been hospitalized and are in stable condition, sources said.

An has been missing since the explosion, and it has not been verified whether he was among the casualties.

An investigation into the cause of the blast is underway.

Fireworks blasts are likely to occur around this time of the year in China, as setting off fireworks is a traditional way to celebrate the Spring Festival, or lunar new year, which falls on Feb 9 this year.