At least eight people have died and two others have been slightly injured after a firecracker exploded in eastern China.

A statement from the Donghai County government said the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon in a village in Jiangsu province. The explosion occurred near a firecracker shop, the statement said. China traditionally sets off firecrackers at midnight on New Year's Eve. But in recent years, many places have banned them. Tuesday is the Lunar New Year in China.

It is also known as the Spring Festival. After the explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Management has urged all regions to strengthen supervision of the production, transportation, sale and use of fireworks to prevent future accidents.

 The ministry said in a statement, "Local governments should prohibit the use of fireworks and firecrackers around shops to ensure a safe, auspicious and happy Spring Festival celebration environment."