Sixteen people were killed in an explosion and fire at a gunpowder and chemicals plant in Russia's western Ryazan province, both TASS and Interfax news agencies reported on Friday, citing their sources.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations earlier confirmed seven deaths in the accident, saying nine people remained missing.

It was caused by violation of safety regulations, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, adding "there is no threat to the population".

The administration of the Shilovsky district clarified that the fire was localized and there was no threat to other factories, according to Interfax.