An explosion at a fireworks factory in central China's Hunan Province has left at least 26 dead, reports said. (Credit: CCTV/Reuters)

An explosion at a fireworks plant in central China has killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others.

The devastating blast tore through the plant on Monday afternoon (May 4), sending plumes of smoke into the air as almost 500 rescuers raced to the scene and residents in danger zones were evacuated.