China reported 187 deaths as a result of 87 fireworks explosion accidents nationwide in the first 11 months of this year, according to a statement made by the State Administration of Production Safety at a press conference on Wednesday.

According to the administration, the number of deaths and accidents has dropped compared with the same period last year.

The period between October 1 and November 30 saw relatively frequent occurrences of fireworks-related accidents, the administration said, adding that 10 accidents took place in the two months, killing a total of 37 persons.

The latest explosion happened on November 27 in Wuqiang County, north China's Hebei Province, which killed four people and wounded three others at an illegal fireworks factory.

The administration blamed the frequencies of fireworks explosions on the rampant and illegal production of fireworks.

Nine out of the 10 accidents since October resulted from illegal manufacturing, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2005)