At least 19 killed in blast at fireworks factory in Vietnam
越南烟花厂爆炸 至少19人死亡

At least 19 people have been killed and dozens more injured following an explosion at a military-run fireworks factory in northern Vietnam.

Several sections of the multi-building factory were leveled in the explosion, and some nearby homes were also damaged. About 200 workers were in the building at the time of the blast, but it is still unclear how many managed to escape. The factory is the only facility in Vietnam that produces fireworks to be used for Lunar New Year celebrations.

Recently workers have been going into overtime to produce fireworks for the Lunar New Year which falls in January. According to local police the explosion could be heard 10 kilometers away, and about 1,000 residents living near the factory were evacuated following the blast. Authorities said an investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident, which is still unclear.