Chinese media reported that 15 people died and dozens more were injured in an explosion at an illegal fireworks warehouse in Hebei province.

Illegal fireworks are being stockpiled in China, awaiting destruction - Photo: Daily Mail

According to AFP, the explosion occurred yesterday morning (July 12) at a fireworks factory in Dongwang town, Ningjin county, Hebei province, causing windows to shatter and debris to fly for kilometers.

Photos posted on the website 163.com show that the roof of the fireworks factory has been blown off.

Bloodstains related to the explosion were also found on the door of a nearby textile factory. According to Xinhua news agency, large rescue vehicles continued to be deployed to the scene as of last night (July 12).

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. China is currently the world's largest producer of fireworks.

(According to AFP/TTO)