Four workers were killed and three others are still missing after an explosion at a firecracker powder workshop in east China's Anhui Province, local workplace safety officials confirmed this morning.

The accident occurred at 8:05 AM on Tuesday in Fangtang Township of Ningguo City.

Seven others were injured in the blast and are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2005)