CHANGSHA -?An explosion at a chicken farm killed six people in central China's Hunan Province, local authorities said Wednesday.

The blast occurred at around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at a farm of Langanling village, Yiliu Township of Yizhang County, according to a statement from the county government.

The bodies of three of the deceased were recovered later the same day day. The other three were found Wednesday morning.

An initial investigation showed the explosion was likely caused by materials used in the production of fireworks, which were kept on the property.