19 dead, 50 injured as fireworks trigger blast in south China

BEIJING - At least 19 people have been killed and 50 injured in an explosion triggered by fireworks in south China’s Guangdong province.

The explosion occurred when a family set off firecrackers in front of their house Friday. The flame ignited other fireworks on the ground and caused a huge explosion, Xinhua news agency Saturday quoted a witness Yang, whose house is located about 200 meters from the scene.

Bodies of 13 people were discovered from the spot Friday night while six others died in hospital later, the news agency reported.

Firecrackers are used to celebrate Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in China. The holiday ends Sunday.