A powerful blast at a fireworks factory in central China has left at least 21 people dead and 61 others injured, according to state media reports.
The explosion occurred at a workshop belonging to the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, located in Hunan. The incident took place around 4:40 pm on Monday in the county-level city, which falls under the provincial capital Changsha and is widely known for its large-scale fireworks industry.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to locate those still missing and to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.
Videos circulating online showed thick plumes of white smoke rising high above the factory site shortly after the explosion, highlighting the intensity of the blast.
Authorities are continuing rescue and investigation efforts as concerns grow over industrial safety standards in high-risk sectors such as fireworks manufacturing.
