Rescue operations under way as China blast leaves 13 dead, 5 injured

An explosion in central China's Henan province killed 13 people and injured five others Saturday. The blast occurred around 1 a.m. in Donggancheng village in northeast Henan, the official Xinhua News Agency said. An initial investigation showed explosives intended for civilian use went off, Xinhua said citing the provincial work safety supervision administration. The explosives were illegally stored at a home when they ignited, destroying more than 10 neighboring houses, Xinhua said. It was unclear what sparked the blast. Rescue operations were under way. No other details were immediately available.