An explosion at a fireworks plant in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China, killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others on Monday afternoon, according to state media.
The facility, operated by Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., is located in a major manufacturing hub for fireworks. Nearly 500 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the scene.
Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed collapsed structures and scattered debris, with white smoke still billowing the following day. Authorities evacuated danger zones due to the high risk posed by two black powder warehouses at the site.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered "all-out efforts" to save the injured and search for missing persons, while demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. Rescue operations utilized robots and humidification techniques to prevent secondary explosions.