Russian explosives factory blast kills 17

At least 17 people have died in an explosion in an industrial explosives production facility in Russia.

The death toll rose after emergency crews found the body of a missing person beneath the rubble on Friday evening, investigators said.

Earlier, another employee had succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.

The factory is located near the city of Ryazan, about 200 kilometres southeast of Moscow.

Pictures show the almost destroyed factory hall.

Only a few side walls remained intact.

Smoke was rising from the ruins.

According to local media reports, the accident occurred when employees tried to switch on machines at the beginning of their shift.

The cause of the explosion was initially unclear.

According to the Ministry of Civil Defence, there was no danger to the population.