Fireworks shop explosion kills 12 in Hubei of central China

At least 12 people died in an explosion at a fireworks retail store in Hubei Province in the afternoon.

CCTV reports that the blast occurred at around 2 p.m.

The fire and explosion affected an area of about 50 square metres.

It's the mainland's second fatal fire in a week that involves a fireworks retail shop.

Last Sunday, eight people were killed in the blast.

Authorities have ordered relevant materials to be regulated.