BEIJING (Agencies) — At least 26 people have been killed and 61 others injured following a powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China, state media reported on Tuesday, triggering an immediate halt to nearby production.
The blast struck on Monday afternoon at a facility in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, according to Xinhua News Agency. The factory is operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, a county-level city renowned as one of China’s largest fireworks production hubs.
Changsha Mayor Chen Bozhang confirmed that search and rescue operations at the scene have largely concluded, though efforts to verify casualties and identify victims are ongoing. He expressed deep sorrow and issued an apology to the public and affected families.
“We feel extremely pained and deeply remorseful,” Chen said during a media briefing.
Officials reported that large quantities of fireworks and semi-finished materials ignited during the incident, causing a series of intermittent explosions. Ding Weiming noted that stores of gunpowder in warehouse areas significantly heightened risks for rescue teams, while structural collapses left workers trapped and access routes blocked.
Authorities have since ordered all fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in Liuyang to suspend operations. Footage broadcast by China Central Television showed plumes of white smoke rising from the devastated site, with extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Hundreds of emergency personnel were deployed, and residents in high-risk zones were evacuated due to concerns over nearby black powder storage facilities. Rescue teams utilised water-spraying techniques and deployed robotic equipment to reduce hazards and assist in locating survivors.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway, with police detaining the individual responsible for the company, according to Xinhua.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to locate missing individuals and treat the injured, while ordering a swift investigation and strict accountability. He also stressed the importance of strengthening safety oversight across key industries.
Liuyang, long regarded as the birthplace of fireworks, traces its history back to the Tang dynasty, when early firecrackers were first developed using bamboo and gunpowder.
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