People stand outside the exploded stores in Haikou, Sept 8, 2013. [Photo/CFP]

HAIKOU - Three people have been injured, including two seriously, after an explosion involving two wine stores in South China's island province of Hainan, police said Sunday.

The blast happened around 8:40 am in the capital city of Haikou, sources with the Meilan police bureau said.

The two that were seriously injured are in hospital, but neither of them in a life-threatening condition, police said.

Two adjacent wine stores were seriously damaged by the explosion. The impact of the blast also damaged several cars on the roadside.

A witness surnamed Fu said he heard a loud bang and saw heavy smoke and dust billow out of the stores.

Police are investigating.