China Fireworks Factory Explosion: 26 Dead, 61 Injured in Hunan Blast

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Beijing: At least 26 people were killed and 61 others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks factory in central China’s Hunan province, triggering a large-scale rescue operation and raising fresh concerns over industrial safety.

The blast occurred at a facility in Liuyang, a major hub for China’s fireworks industry, on the afternoon of May 4. The explosion caused extensive destruction across the site, with buildings damaged or collapsed and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying hundreds of rescuers along with specialised equipment, including robots, to search for survivors and contain the aftermath. Authorities also evacuated nearby residents due to the risk posed by stored explosive materials, including black powder.

Officials confirmed that rescue efforts have largely concluded, though work continues to identify victims and assess the full extent of the damage. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and the individual responsible for the factory has been detained.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged stricter safety measures across high-risk industries to prevent similar tragedies.