Fireworks blast in Brazil flattens houses, kills at least 3

Brazil fireworks blast flattens homes, kills 3

SAO PAULO — A fireworks explosion demolished several houses and killed at least three people on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on Thursday, officials said.

About five houses were turned into rubble, and at least 14 people were injured by the blast in a residential neighborhood in the city of Santo Andre, according to the local fire department.

Television images showed the explosion blew the roofs of some buildings and demolished and overturned cars.

Fire department spokesman Marco Antonio Barbosa said it wasn’t clear if the building that exploded was used to make, store or sell fireworks.

Local news media earlier reported that as many as 11 people were killed, citing city officials.