Six people were killed and another three were injured in a blast caused by home-made explosives in central China's Hunan Province, local government sources said on Monday.

The blast took place at 7:47 a.m. Monday in a private house in Dengjia Village in Guiyang County, according to the county government.

Most of the victims were family members and relatives of Deng Sibao, a villager.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the blast took place as the household members were illegally making explosives that were intended for use in ore extraction.

Guiyang county has rich mineral resources including lead, zinc and coal.

The three injured were sent to a local hospital.

An investigation is underway.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)