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19 killed in firecracker explosion in China

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Family setting off firecrackers are part of lunar new year
  • Flame lit many firecrackers on the ground, causing explosion
  • Bodies of 13 found at scene, six others die at hospital
  • Fireworks a big part of of new year celebrations
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Beijing, China (CNN) -- A celebration of China's lunar new year turned deadly as a firecracker explosion killed 19 and wounded dozens, state media reported Saturday.

The incident occurred in southern China's Guangdong Province on Friday night, Xinhua news agency reported. A family was setting off firecrackers in front of their home when a flame lit several firecrackers that were on the ground, the agency reported.

This caused a huge explosion, a witness told the agency.

Bodies of 13 people were discovered at the scene Friday night and six others died at a hospital.

About 50 people were also injured in the blast, Xinhua reported.

Firecrackers are a big part of the celebration of the lunar new year. The holiday ends Sunday.