A deadly explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province, killing at least 26 people and injuring 61 others, according to officials and state media reports.
The blast happened on Monday afternoon at a facility in Liuyang, a city widely known for its fireworks production industry. The explosion was so powerful that it destroyed parts of the factory building, sent thick smoke into the sky, and caused panic in nearby areas.
Emergency teams, including firefighters, medical workers, drones, and rescue robots, were quickly deployed to the scene. Their priority was to search for survivors trapped in the debris and to control any further risk of explosions, as fireworks materials stored at the site continued to pose danger.
Local authorities evacuated residents living near the factory as a precaution, fearing secondary blasts. After hours of effort, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, but rescue operations continued into the night as teams worked to account for all workers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and called for immediate medical assistance for the injured. Officials have also begun inspecting other fireworks factories in the region to check safety standards and prevent similar incidents.
Early reports suggest that the blast may have been triggered by unsafe handling or storage of explosive materials, though this has not yet been confirmed. Several people linked to the factory are being questioned as part of the investigation.
Liuyang is one of the world’s largest fireworks manufacturing centres, supplying both domestic and international markets. However, the industry has long faced criticism over safety risks due to the highly flammable materials used in production.
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