9 dead, 26 injured after fireworks plant explosion in central China

CHANGSHA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Nine people had been confirmed dead and 26 others injured as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, after an explosion broke out Monday morning at a fireworks factory in central China, according to the on-site rescue headquarters.

The explosion occurred at around 8:23 a.m. Monday in Linli County, Hunan Province. An all-out search and rescue operation is currently underway, and an investigation team has been formed to determine the cause of the accident. ■