An explosion at a fireworks plant in central China has killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, according to state media reports on Tuesday. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon at a facility operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, a county-level city under the administration of Changsha in Hunan province, a region renowned for its fireworks production.
Details of the Incident
China's official Xinhua news agency reported that the explosion took place at a fireworks plant in Changsha city. Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday showed white smoke still rising from parts of the site, with buildings collapsed or damaged. Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed to the scene, and residents in dangerous zones were evacuated due to the high risk posed by two black powder warehouses near the explosion site.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast. Police have detained the person in charge of the company, Xinhua said. The report also noted that rescuers adopted measures such as spraying and humidification to eliminate potential hazards and deployed three robots to assist in the search and rescue operation.
Government Response
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out efforts to search for those still unaccounted for and to save the injured. He called on authorities to swiftly investigate the cause and pursue serious accountability. Xi also ordered effective risk screening and hazard control in key industries, as well as the strengthening of public safety management to prevent similar accidents.
Liuyang's Fireworks History
Liuyang has a long history of fireworks production. According to Guinness World Records, the first accurately documented firework, the Chinese firecracker, was attributed to Li Tian, a monk who lived near Liuyang during China's Tang dynasty (around 618 to 907 C.E.). Li discovered that putting gunpowder in enclosed hollow bamboo stems created loud explosions and bound crackers together to create traditional New Year firecrackers to drive out evil spirits.
In February, China reported two deadly explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the industry.
