Fireworks blast kills 13 in northwest China

Thirteen people have been killed in an explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in northwest China, a local government official said today.

Most of those killed were women, ranging in age from a girl of 12 to a 70-year-old, said Zhu Jun, spokesman for the Shanyang county government in Shaanxi province.

The factory owner, Liu Mingchao, fled on his motorbike after arranging for the injured to be taken to hospital. Liu’s mother was among those killed and his wife suffered head injuries, Zhu said.

Like many throughout China, the factory in Jijiahe village was unlicensed and had not been inspected by safety officials.

Home-made explosives are relatively easy to obtain in China and demand is high for fireworks, used in traditional rituals and celebrations.

A blast in March 2001 destroyed a school in the southern province of Jiangxi, killing 42 teachers and students.

The government blamed a lone bomber, but parents said students had been forced to make fireworks by school administrators.