An explosion occured in a fireworks plant Wednesday in central China's Henan Province.

At least six were killed and 22 others injured in a fireworks plant explosion Wednesday in central China's Henan Province, local officials said.

The blast ripped through Yutian Fireworks Plant in Yancheng District, Luohe City, at about 4:50 p.m., said a spokesman with the district's publicity department.

Several rows of workshops at the plant were razed by the explosion, which lasted till 8 p.m., witnesses said.

Casualties might rise as some workers were not able to rush out of the workshops, said the authorities.