At least eight people were killed when containers filled with fireworks exploded in an industrial yard in Jordan, where the importation of fireworks is illegal.  

The containers had been in storage at the yard of the Customs Department in the Jordanian capital.

Jordan's Civil Defence said at least eight people were killed and more than a dozen others injured.

Clouds of acrid smoke poured into the sky.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire and reminded the public that the importation of fireworks is illegal in Jordan.