5 dead in fireworks factory explosion in Spain

May 15, 2000
Web posted at: 2:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT)

RAFELCOFER, Spain (CNN) -- At least five people were killed Monday in an explosion at a small fireworks factory in Rafelcofer in eastern Spain, according to Spanish officials.

Authorities said at least three people were injured and another two were missing. The explosion occurred about 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT); its cause was under investigation.

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The mayor of Rafelcofer, Josefa Izquierdo, said a large blast was followed by several smaller ones. She said the factory met Spanish fire safety standards.

The factory was described as a family-run operation with about 20 employees. About 100 tons of explosives apparently were scattered throughout several buildings.

The factory was located about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) outside the town of 1,400 people. Officials said Spanish regulations require fireworks factories to be built outside city centers.

Rafelcofer is south of Valencia, Spain's third-largest city. An executive with the regional fireworks association said about 30 such small plants operate in the Valencia region.

Officials said an explosion at the plant nine years ago killed a factory worker.

Monday's explosion follows a deadly weekend blast at a fireworks factory in the Netherlands that killed at least 15 people and injured hundreds.

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