An explosion at a fireworks factory Friday afternoon has left at least one worker dead and three injured in central China's Hunan Province, according to local authorities.

One body has been recovered at the site where the explosion occurred at about 4:50 p.m. at Taolin fireworks factory at Ketou Township, Xinhua County, said Jiang Shixing, deputy chief of the county government who supervised the rescue.

The three injured victims have been sent to local hospital, said Jiang.

The site has yet to be cleared, so the death toll could rise, said Jiang.

The number of workers present when the explosion occurred remains unknown, said Jiang.

Police are investigating the explosion.