A devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China has claimed at least 26 lives and left 61 others injured, prompting authorities to order a halt to all firework production in the vicinity. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon in the city of Changsha, located in Hunan province, according to China's official Xinhua news agency. The facility was operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha's administration.
Rescue and Investigation Underway
Changsha's mayor, Chen Bozhang, stated at a media briefing that the search and rescue operation had largely concluded. Verification of casualties and identification of victims are ongoing. Chen expressed deep condolences and apologized to society, particularly to the families and injured individuals. "We feel extremely pained and deeply remorseful," he said.
The blast occurred just before 5 pm on Monday, as reported by CCTV and Xinhua. Ding Weiming, party secretary of the Changsha emergency management bureau, explained that a large number of products caught fire, leading to continuous explosions. Large quantities of gunpowder stored in the warehouse area posed a threat to rescue teams. People were trapped, and routes were blocked by collapsed walls, columns, and the roof within the factory area.
Production Halted and Rescue Efforts
All fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in Liuyang have been ordered to halt production, according to local media. Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday showed white smoke billowing from parts of the site. Hundreds of rescuers were deployed, and residents in danger zones were evacuated, as per the Xinhua report.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast. Police have detained the person in charge of the company. China's president, Xi Jinping, urged "all-out efforts" to search for those still unaccounted for and to save the injured. He called for a swift investigation and accountability, Xinhua reported.
In February, around the lunar new year period, China reported two deadly explosions at fireworks shops, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the industry.
