HONG KONG: An explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Hunan province has claimed 26 lives and left 61 people injured, according to official reports, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to demand a comprehensive inquiry. The incident took place in Changsha, the provincial capital, known as a key center for fireworks production.
The explosion occurred on Monday afternoon around 4:40 pm local time (0840 GMT), as reported by CCTV and Xinhua news agencies. Footage circulating on Chinese social media showed dense smoke rising from the site, with collapsed structures and scattered debris, although Reuters has not independently confirmed the videos.
Emergency responders, including nearly 500 firefighters, rescue teams, and medical staff, swiftly moved to the scene to carry out rescue operations, according to the South China Morning Post. The affected factory, Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company, was identified as the site of the blast, but efforts to contact the company for comments were unsuccessful.
In response to the tragedy, Xi Jinping called for an immediate and thorough investigation to identify the root causes of the explosion and to hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized the importance of strict safety measures and accountability in industrial operations, as reported by Xinhua.
China plays a dominant role in the global fireworks market, exporting over $1.14 billion worth of fireworks last year, representing more than two-thirds of worldwide sales, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
Furthermore, Xi directed authorities to bolster risk assessment protocols and hazard prevention strategies across critical sectors to improve public safety and protect citizens’ lives and property. This incident follows recent government efforts to enhance disaster preparedness nationwide, including a call last week for upgrading China’s emergency response capabilities.
