China Yulin: Deadly explosion shatters buildings

The BBC's Robin Brant in Shanghai

The death toll from a powerful explosion that destroyed buildings in the Chinese city of Yulin has risen to at least 10, with more than 150 people injured.

There are reports of a large crater where a two-storey building once stood, and images show widespread damage, with rubble in the streets.

The blast occurred Monday afternoon local time near a hospital.

Reports suggest illegally stored explosives might be to blame.

It appears the hospital was damaged in the explosion, which ripped through a nearby residential building.

ECNS
Photos from the scene showed heavy damage to buildings in the area

State-run news agency Xinhua reported that more than 70 firefighters were sent to Xinmin township in Fugu county, where several people are believed to remain trapped inside collapsed buildings.