Eight Dead, Two Injured in China Fireworks Store Blast

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Beijing, China : A tragic explosion at a fireworks retail outlet in eastern China has killed eight people and injured two others just days before the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) celebrations begin, authorities reported. The blast occurred on Sunday afternoon in Donghai county, Jiangsu province, when fireworks were being discharged improperly near the store.

Local officials said the incident erupted around 2:30 p.m. local time in a village setting, where a resident’s mishandling of fireworks triggered the explosion and subsequent fire. Emergency responders, including fire and public safety teams, rushed to the scene to extinguish flames and carry out rescue operations.

Chinese authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Some local reports indicate that individuals involved in the improper ignition of fireworks were taken into custody, while emergency workers are reviewing safety procedures to prevent similar occurrences.

The tragedy comes as many Chinese communities prepare for the Lunar New Year one of the country’s most significant holidays when setting off firecrackers and fireworks is traditionally part of the festivities. In recent years, however, many cities have tightened bans on fireworks due to air pollution concerns, though some restrictions have been relaxed in certain regions.

In response to the deadly blast, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has urged all regions to enhance oversight of the production, transport, sale and use of pyrotechnics, calling on local governments to eliminate safety blind spots ahead of the holiday. Officials emphasized that testing or igniting fireworks near retail stores should be strictly prohibited.