NEW DELHI, October 23 (RIA Novosti) - At least 18 people, including 10 children, were killed in an explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in western India, the country's largest news agency said on Thursday, citing police.

The Press Trust of India agency said another 18 people were injured in the explosion, which took place in the town of Deeg in the state of Rajasthan late on Wednesday. At least five nearby residential buildings were destroyed in the blast, the agency reported.

Other media reports said at least 20 people were killed and 20 wounded in the explosion, which took place days before a major Indian festival, Diwali, or the Festival of Light, during which fireworks play a major part in celebrations.

Illegal firework factories commonly spring up across the country ahead of the festival. Accidents, often fatal, are common.

In 2005, at least 35 people were killed in a massive blast at a fireworks store in northern state of Bihar.