HANGZHOU - Four people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in east China's Zhejiang Province on Thursday, the first day of the new Chinese lunar year, local authorities said.

The accident happened at about 4 pm at Xiangzhu Township, Yongkang City.

The victims included a child and three adults. Another two people were rescued.

Initial investigation showed that the explosion was caused by the shop owner, who set off a firecracker for trial but ignited the fireworks stored outside the shop.

The shop owner has been detained by police.