The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks plant in central China has risen to 37, according to state media reports on Friday. Local authorities confirmed that one person remains missing, as reported by China's official Xinhua news agency.
Details of the Incident
The blast occurred on Monday at a fireworks facility in the city of Changsha, located in Hunan province. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion and have ordered a halt to all fireworks manufacturing in the surrounding area. Initial reports indicated that more than 60 people were injured in the incident.
Company and Location
State media outlet China Daily identified the plant as being operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. The facility is situated in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha's administration. Liuyang is renowned as a major hub for fireworks production, with a deep historical connection to the industry.
Liuyang boasts a long legacy in fireworks manufacturing. According to Guinness World Records, the first accurately documented firework—the Chinese firecracker—is attributed to Li Tian, a monk who lived near Liuyang during China's Tang dynasty, which spanned from around 618 to 907 C.E.
This tragedy follows two deadly explosions at fireworks shops reported in China this past February, around the Lunar New Year period. The recent incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in the fireworks industry.
