Fuquan, Nov 1: A massive explosion near a motorway ramp in south-west China has killed at least seven people and injured about 200 while also destroying several buildings.
The official Xinhua News Agency said the blast occurred in the Guizhou province city of Fuquan around midday (0400 GMT) on Tuesday.
According to a man who answered the phone in the press office of Fuquan's Communist Party branch, the blast was caused by three explosives-laden vehicles that caught fire.
He said the explosion also destroyed a garage and a food warehouse.
The man, who like many Chinese officials refused to give his name, could not give details about what kind of explosives were involved.
Heavy machinery was being used to search for victims in the wreckage, he said.
Xinhua said that two trucks carrying a total of about 70 tonnes of explosives caused the blast, and that the injured were being treated at nearby hospitals.
Pictures from Chinese broadcaster Dragon TV showed a large area strewn with damaged cars and twisted debris.
Eyewitnesses appeared shaken and confused following the blast.
“I can't remember what happened clearly,” said one eyewitness.
“I was blown down suddenly, then I stood up and ran to the houses over there for shelter. But when I got there, I found those houses were all smashed.”
Accidents and explosions are common in China due to weak safety standards and lax building practices.
