Explosion at China fireworks factory kills 26 people
A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province has killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, according to state media.
The blast occurred on Monday afternoon at the Huasheng Fireworks plant in the city of Liuyang, a major hub for fireworks production. Emergency services have now concluded rescue operations at the site.
Authorities said the explosion forced a large-scale evacuation, with residents living within a 3km radius of the factory moved out as a precaution.
More than 1,500 emergency responders, supported by search dogs, drones, and robots, were deployed to the scene. Officials confirmed that seven people trapped under debris were rescued alive.
Chinese state media reported that police have taken “control measures” against staff responsible for the factory as investigations continue into the cause of the blast.
Two gunpowder warehouses inside the facility were identified as high-risk areas during rescue efforts, prompting additional safety precautions, including humidifying the surrounding zone to prevent secondary explosions.
The impact of the blast was severe, with windows in nearby residential buildings shattered and structural damage reported in surrounding homes.
One CCTV report noted that debris was scattered across nearby roads, forcing detours for local residents.
Injured victims range in age from their 20s to their 60s, with some suffering serious bone injuries caused by flying debris.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to treat the injured, locate any missing persons, and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Local authorities have also begun environmental monitoring around the site, stating that air and water quality levels currently remain within safe limits.
Residents living near the factory described scenes of destruction and fear. One villager said windows were shattered and metal doors badly damaged by the force of the explosion, while others reported leaving the area entirely due to safety concerns.
Liuyang is widely known as one of the world’s largest fireworks production centres, but the industry has long faced safety concerns due to frequent industrial accidents.
Explosions at fireworks facilities are not uncommon in China, with a similar incident in Hubei province earlier this year killing 12 people.
Investigations into Monday’s disaster are ongoing as authorities work to determine what triggered the deadly blast.
