Fireworks shop explosion in China kills 12

At least 12 people have been killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in a city in central China, state broadcaster CCTV said, as the incident took place on Wednesday, the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday. It is a common custom in China to set off fireworks and firecrackers during the Lunar New Year. Although this year the New Year fell on a Tuesday, the public holiday was still in effect.

Fireworks and firecrackers have been banned in major cities including Beijing in recent years. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, the sound of firecrackers and "missile" fireworks can be heard throughout the holiday.