An explosion at a fireworks plant in central China’s Hunan province has killed at least 26 people and injured 61, authorities said. The blast occurred Monday afternoon at a facility in Changsha operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., located in Liuyang, a county-level city known for its fireworks industry.
Changsha Mayor Chen Bozhang said search and rescue operations are largely finished, though officials are still verifying casualties and identifying victims. Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed white smoke lingering over parts of the site and several buildings collapsed or damaged.
Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed and nearby residents were evacuated because of the danger posed by two adjacent black powder warehouses. Teams used spraying and humidification to reduce risk and deployed three robots to assist searches. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, and police have detained the person in charge of the company.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to account for anyone missing and to save the injured, and he ordered a prompt investigation and strict accountability. He also directed strengthened risk screening, hazard control in key industries, and improved public safety management.
Liuyang has a long association with fireworks production; Guinness World Records credits the Tang-dynasty monk Li Tian with inventing the firecracker. In February, Chinese officials reported two deadly explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period.