China fireworks blast kills four on eve of Lunar New Year

Four people have been killed and five injured in an explosion at a stall selling fireworks on the eve of the Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese authorities have said. 

The blast occurred about 11pm Thursday and the cause is under investigation, the information office in Tonghai county in the southwestern province of Yunnan advised. 

Yesterday marked the start of China's most important traditional holiday, with tens of millions travelling across the vast nation for family reunions.

Fireworks have generally been a major part of the festivities, although authorities have cracked down on the practice for safety reasons and to cut down on air pollution.

Cities such as Beijing and Shanghai that used to have constant firework displays have been quiet this year.