Explosion at a fireworks factory in Kaifeng, Henan province
Incident: Ten people have been killed at an explosion at a fireworks factory in Kaifeng, Henan province
Ten people have been killed and seven others injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Kaifeng city, central China's Henan province.

The explosion occurred at around 11am local time today, the People's Daily Online reports.

The incident comes as the country prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in a few weeks, the peak time for the purchase of fireworks and firecrackers.

According to Tongxu County Government Hospital, seven people are injured, five of them seriously.

Emergency services attended the scene and the fire has now been brought under control.

However there are reports of firecrackers still exploding as the flames dampen down.

Trucks near to the factory were also caught up in the blaze and completely destroyed.


widespread damage across the area
Deadly incident: The accident took place at 11am local time, causing widespread damage across the area

Accident at Chinese factory
Accident at Chinese factory: Heavy smoke was seen from nearby the fireworks factory as it exploded (above)
The blast has caused widespread devastation across the area.

Several homes in nearby villages that their windows were shattered by the force of the explosion despite not being in the immediate vicinity.

A team of investigators including members of the local public security, fire protection and environmental protection departments are still at the scene.

According to CCTV, remains of several brands of fireworks, manufactured by different factories, were found at the scene.

It caused speculation that the factory might also have been used for the storage of fireworks.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

There is just under one month to go until China celebrates the new year. There are often cases of factory related incidents in the period leading up to the celebrations.

In 2005, 25 people were killed in Xiangfen county, Shanxi province after an explosion at a firecracker factory.

Chinese media reported at the time that the explosion was under investigation and the owner of the factory had fled the area.

The blast which occurred at 11am on Thursday caused widespread damage
Extensive: The blast which occurred at 11am on Thursday caused widespread damage across the local area
Peak season: There's just under one month to go until Chinese New Year. This is the peak time for buying of fireworks in China
Peak season: There's just under one month to go until Chinese New Year. This is the peak time for buying of fireworks in China