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XI'AN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- A powerful explosion at a prefabricated house damaged nearby buildings in a northwestern county Monday afternoon, leaving at least seven dead and 94 others hospitalized, local authorities said.
The explosion occurred at 2 p.m. at Xinmin Town, Fugu County, in Shaanxi Province. An initial investigation indicates that the makeshift house had been built inside a residential compound. It remains unclear what caused the explosion.
The township's hospital was among the buildings destroyed or damaged by the blast, Xinhua reporters at the scene confirmed. Dozens of firefighters and rescuers are combing the rubble for more survivors.
By 7:40 p.m., ninety-four people had been admitted to hospital, including four who are in intensive care.
The rescue continues.
