A powerful explosion at a prefabricated house damaged nearby buildings in a northwestern county Monday afternoon, leaving at least 10 dead and 157 injured, local authorities said, as rescue efforts continued into the night.

An explosion hit a town in Fugu County in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Monday afternoon. [Photo / Weibo]

The explosion occurred at 2 p.m. at Xinmin Township, Fugu County, in the province of Shaanxi. 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.

There was a brief power cut during the night but the rescue continued, as rescuers are hopeful that there are still people alive under the rubble.

By 11 p.m., 113 people had been admitted to hospital, including eleven who are in intensive care.

Senior municipal officials have arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts.

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