State Council to oversee probe into central China fireworks factory explosion

BEIJING, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The State Council Work Safety Committee has decided to oversee the investigation into a recent explosion at a fireworks factory in central China's Hunan Province, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The explosion, which occurred at 8:23 a.m. Monday in Linli County, killed nine people and injured 26 others.

The committee has ordered that the explosion investigation be expedited, the cause of the explosion be identified as soon as possible, and accountability be enforced according to law and regulations.

The ministry said earlier on Tuesday that it had dispatched a working team to the province to guide on-site rescue efforts. It has urged relevant authorities to promptly identify all individuals affected by the explosion and ensure that no secondary accidents occur. ■