File photo: VCG

A conflagration and blast killed eight people and injured one in a thermal insulation material factory in central China’s Henan Province Saturday morning, local police said.

According to preliminary investigation, the incident was caused by a propane leak. Investigators said the leaked propane was ignited when the worker was operating the electrical control panel during production. Propane is explosive and commonly used as a fuel.

The wounded has been hospitalized and is in stable condition. The factory's owners have been placed under the control of police and local authorities are still asessing the losses.