Death toll in Zaragoza explosion rises to six

The number of victims in the explosion at a fireworks manufacturer based outside of Zaragoza, Spain rose to six on Tuesday morning as another body was found in the wreckage.

The five other confirmed dead were all employees at the Pirotecnia Zaragozana factory; a further six were taken to hospital in serious condition as the result of an explosion which happened at 2:15 p.m. local time (1215 GMT) on Monday.

The explosion at the 12 hectare site, which is situated nine km from Zaragoza, could be heard up to 20 km away. As well, there was extensive damage to the factory provoked a huge plume of black smoke.

The smoke, and the risk of further explosions due to the high amount of explosives at the site, hampered rescue work, which was carried out by the fire brigade and explosives experts of the Spanish Civil Guard.

Pirotecnia Zaragozana is one of Spain's most important firework manufacturers and produces fireworks, not only for Spain, but also other parts of Europe. The company employs around 40 people.

El Pais newspaper reported that this was not the first accident on the site. In 1984, there was a series of explosions in seven warehouses where fireworks were stored.

Meanwhile, a day of mourning for the victims was declared in the Community of Aragon, while the Spanish Prime Minister, who is currently visiting Germany, sent a message expressing his sympathy. Endit