Firecracker explosion kills 2 in NE China

At least two people were killed Wednesday after a firecracker booth exploded in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, local authorities said.

The explosion occurred around 7 a.m. at a booth selling fireworks in Yingchun Township in the city of Hulin, the city government said.

Local work safety authorities are still determining the exact number of casualties, as well as probing the cause of the accident.

Fireworks are an important part of the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, which begins on Feb. 9.