<p><br /> A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in northeast China has risen to at least 19 workers, with five still missing.<br /> </p><p><br /> Up to 50 people were working at the factory in the city of Yichun in Heilongjiang province when it was rocked by the explosion.<br /> </p><p><br /> The blast damaged nearby buildings and caused secondary blasts, according to a statement posted on the local government's website.<br /> </p><p><br /> A total of 153 people were injured by the explosion, which could be felt up to five kilometres away. It smashed windows in the local government offices and other buildings.<br /> </p><p><br /> Safety is lax at Chinese fireworks plants, and accidents are common. Dozens of people also die each year from unsafe handling of fireworks while celebrating weddings and traditional holidays.<br /> </p><p><br /> Although deadly accidents persist, China has placed an increasing emphasis on improving industrial safety.<br /> </p><p><br /> Fatalities in the country's notoriously dangerous coal mines decreased to 2,631 last year, compared with a peak of 6,995 deaths in 2002, according to official figures. That works out to 7.2 deaths a day in 2009, down from 19.1 a day in 2002.<br /> </p>
