A deadly explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in China’s Hunan province has left at least 21 people dead and 61 others injured, according to state-run media reports.
The incident occurred at a facility in Liuyang city, a well-known hub for China’s fireworks industry. Authorities said the blast happened on Monday, sending shockwaves across the surrounding area. Residents reported hearing multiple explosions, followed by thick smoke rising into the sky above the industrial site.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene, where rescue operations and firefighting efforts continued for hours. Several injured workers were transported to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Chinese officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that safety lapses or improper handling of explosive materials may be among the possible factors, although no official conclusion has been announced yet.
Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a comprehensive investigation and called for strict accountability. He instructed authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
President Xi also emphasized the need to strengthen safety measures in high-risk industries, particularly in sectors involving explosive materials such as fireworks manufacturing. He stressed that better risk monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations are essential to protect lives and property.
Local authorities have detained a company representative as part of the investigation. Officials are now examining whether safety protocols were violated or whether negligence contributed to the blast.
Fireworks production is a major industry in Liuyang, which is often referred to as the “home of fireworks” in China. However, the sector has also faced repeated safety concerns due to the highly combustible nature of its materials.
Industrial accidents involving fireworks factories are not uncommon in the country, despite stricter safety regulations introduced in recent years. Experts have long warned that enforcement gaps and cost-cutting measures can increase the risk of such disasters.
The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards in China, particularly in factories handling hazardous materials. Authorities have pledged to tighten oversight and ensure that all safety regulations are strictly implemented moving forward.
