At least 21 people are dead and 61 injured following a massive explosion Monday at a fireworks plant in Changsha, Hunan province, China.
The blast occurred at a facility operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV shows white smoke still rising from the site, with multiple structures collapsed or damaged.
Nearly 500 rescue workers are on the scene. Authorities evacuated nearby residents due to the risk posed by two black powder warehouses adjacent to the explosion site.
President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to find the missing and care for the injured. He also called for a swift investigation and strict accountability.
Police have detained the company's manager as the investigation continues. Rescuers are using spraying and humidification to prevent secondary explosions and have deployed three robots to minimize risk to personnel.
The death toll is expected to rise.