14 dead, 147 injured after explosion at residential complex in China

14 people were confirmed dead and 147 were injured following a powerful explosion that ripped through a residential building in Yulin, Shaanxi province in China on Monday, killing at least seven and injuring 94.

Xinhua news agency reported that the explosion hit five prefabricated houses around 2pm, damaging nearby buildings at Xinmin Township, Fugu County.

Among the injured, 106 reportedly remain hospitalised and 41 have returned home following treatment, according to authorities in charge of rescue work on Tuesday.

An initial investigation reportedly indicated that the explosion could be caused by explosives.

The blast left a crater about four metres wide and two metres deep, the South China Morning Post reported.