Deadly Explosion at Chinese Fireworks Factory Leaves 26 Dead, 61 Injured

At least 26 people were killed and 61 others were injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan Province in southern China, according to state media reports. The incident took place yesterday (Monday) afternoon at a plant in the city of Liuyang—one of the world’s largest centers for fireworks production.

Because of the force of the blast, authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents within a three-kilometer radius of the factory. More than 1,500 rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene, along with specialized teams that included search dogs, drones, and robots. During the operation, crews managed to rescue seven people who had been trapped under the rubble.

The rescue operation has concluded, but the danger at the site remains high because of two gunpowder warehouses on the premises, which were deemed to pose significant risk during the work. As part of efforts to prevent additional disasters, crews also worked to wet down the area.

The force of the blast caused extensive damage outside the factory grounds as well. One local woman said: "The glass windows in our homes shattered, the aluminum window frames warped, and even the stainless-steel doors bent".

According to reports, the injured range in age from their 20s to 60s, and some are suffering fractures from shrapnel injuries. Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, and at the same time "control measures" were taken against the company’s management team.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered maximum efforts to locate the missing and to save the injured, and also demanded that the incident be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Local authorities said they continue to monitor air and water quality in the area, and that at this stage environmental indicators are normal.

Liuyang is considered a global hub for fireworks production, but accidents of this kind are not uncommon in the country. As recently as February, 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in Hubei Province.