A pyrotechnist was killed yesterday in a fireworks explosion in Shanghai's Century Park. The victim, Bu Jiliang, 26, was employed by a fireworks company based in Liuyang City, Hunan Province.

He was moving a box of fireworks into a container truck in the pyrotechnic display area near the park's Gate 7 in Pudong New Area when there was a sudden explosion about 12:25 pm, investigators said.

City police, firefighters and an emergency ambulance went to the site immediately.

The park remained open to the public but Gate 7 was closed and the area was cordoned off as a safety measure.

No visitors or other workers were injured.

Police are still investigating the case.

The fireworks were being prepared for the 9th Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival, with the last of three shows set down for tonight.

The organizing committee of the music fireworks said the show would go ahead as scheduled as it had not received any notice to postpone or cancel it.

Fireworks artists from Russia, Japan and Germany also came to participate in the show, part of National Day celebrations.

(Shanghai Daily October 6, 2008)