A powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in China has killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, according to state media reports. Authorities have suspended all fireworks production in the surrounding area following the blast.
The explosion occurred at a fireworks facility in Changsha, in Hunan. The plant was reportedly operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in the county-level city of Liuyang, a major centre for fireworks production in China.
Rescue efforts and continuing hazards
Local officials said search and rescue operations had largely been completed, though verification of casualties and identification of victims were still ongoing.
Chen Bozhang expressed condolences to victims’ families and apologised publicly over the tragedy, saying authorities felt “extremely pained and deeply remorseful.”
Emergency officials said the site contained large quantities of finished and semi-finished fireworks products that continued to ignite after the initial explosion, causing repeated secondary blasts.
According to Ding Weiming, warehouses storing black powder posed additional risks to rescue teams, while collapsed walls and roofs trapped people inside the damaged factory complex.
Production halted across Liuyang
Authorities ordered all fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in Liuyang to suspend operations as investigations continue into the cause of the explosion.
Hundreds of rescuers were deployed to the site, and residents living near danger zones were evacuated due to concerns over further blasts. Emergency teams also used robots during search and rescue operations to reduce risks to personnel.
Police have reportedly detained the person in charge of the company while investigators examine the cause of the disaster.
Xi Jinping calls for accountability
Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to locate missing people and treat the injured. He also ordered a swift investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for those responsible.
Xi urged authorities to strengthen public safety management and improve hazard controls in key industries to prevent similar accidents.
Liuyang’s historic role in fireworks production
Liuyang has long been regarded as one of China’s most important fireworks manufacturing hubs. Historical records and accounts linked to the Guinness World Records trace some of the earliest documented fireworks to the region during the Tang dynasty.
The city remains globally associated with fireworks production, though the industry has faced repeated safety concerns in recent years, including several deadly explosions around the Lunar New Year period.
