An explosion at a fireworks plant in central China’s Hunan province has killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, authorities reported Tuesday.
The blast occurred Monday afternoon at a facility operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, a city known as a major fireworks production center.
Changsha Mayor Chen Bozhang said search and rescue operations are mostly complete, but victim identification continues. Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed white smoke still rising from the collapsed and damaged structures.
Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed. Authorities evacuated residents from danger zones near two black powder warehouses. The company’s manager has been detained as the investigation continues.
President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to find the missing and hold those responsible accountable. He also ordered stricter safety inspections in key industries.
Liuyang has a long history in fireworks production, dating back to the Tang dynasty. China exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks last year, representing over two-thirds of global sales.