The smouldering remains of a poultry slaughterhouse in northeast China where a devastating fire has killed at least 119 people.

Several more are still unaccounted for, according to local government and state media reports.

Fire crews battled to put out the blaze that broke out just after dawn in Jilin province.

More than 300 workers were inside at the time, with employees saying they heard a sudden bang and then saw dark smoke.

Around 100 workers managed to escape from the plant, state media reported.

A local official said rescue efforts were ongoing and efforts were also being made to identify the dead and injured.

Hong Kong's Phoenix Television cited family members as saying doors were always kept locked during working hours, and fire drills were never carried out.

China has a poor record on safety with fire exits often locked or blocked, and regulations easily skirted by bribing corrupt officials.