A total of 14 people were killed in two separate illegal fireworks plant blasts in China this weekend as the traditional Spring Festival draws near, Xinhua reported.
One person died in an illegal factory at about 11 a.m. in Guozhuang Town, Wuji County on Sunday in north China's Hebei Province.
The workshop formerly produced "Hell banknotes," which are burned to commemorate the dead. The owner illegally switched to making fireworks on Saturday evening, said Yan Junhong, a Guozhuang Township official.
Another blast in east China's Shandong Province killed 13 people.
The blast occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in an abandoned kiln that was being used illegally for producing fireworks by a man in Qianwang Village, Weifang City, the city government said.
Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year, which arrives on Jan. 26, is the most important family festival for Chinese. Fireworks are a key part of the new year celebrations.
