An explosion and fire at a gunpowder factory in Russia has killed 16 people, officials say.
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The Emergency Situations Ministry said the explosion hit the Elastik factory in the western Ryazan region, about 250km southeast of Moscow.
Officials initially said the blast killed seven people and left nine missing, but hours later announced that all those missing were confirmed dead.
One person has been hospitalised with serious injuries, according to local officials.
The ministry said 170 emergency workers and 50 vehicles were involved in dealing with the fire.
The Emergency Situations Ministry said the blast was caused by an unspecified failure during the production process.
Australian Associated Press