In China, a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks plant in the eastern Jiangxi province, killing seven persons. <br/><br/>Authorities today said the plant in Shangli county was ordered to stop production early yesterday due to loopholes in production safety. <br/><br/>Sate-run Xinhua news agency report said the plant, however, continued production in the evening after which the incident took place. Seven persons were killed in the incident, the report added.