At least 26 dead, 61 injured in explosion at fireworks plant in Liuyang, China
An explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Liuyang, Hunan province, China, on Monday afternoon resulted in at least 26 deaths and 61 injuries, according to state media reports. The cause of the blast is under investigation, and the person in charge of the company has been detained.
Incident and Casualties
The explosion occurred at approximately 4:40 pm local time (0840 GMT) at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company. The plant is located in Liuyang, a county-level city under the administration of Changsha, the provincial capital.
Reports on the number of casualties vary, with sources stating either 21 or at least 26 people were killed. The lower figure of 21 deaths was reported by some state media outlets, while other official reports and sources indicate the death toll is at least 26. All sources agree that 61 people were injured. Search and rescue operations have been largely completed, but casualty verification and victim identification are ongoing.
Rescue and Safety Response
Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed to the scene. Authorities cited risks from two black powder warehouses within the factory compound. This prompted the evacuation of residents from danger zones and the establishment of a 1 km rescue area and a 3 km control zone. Three robots were used in the search and rescue operation in a human-machine coordinated approach. Measures such as spraying and humidification were implemented to prevent further accidents. The site contained a large amount of products or semi-finished products that caught fire, causing continuous, sporadic blasts.
Official Statements and Investigation
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all-out efforts to search for missing persons and treat the injured. He called for a swift investigation, strict accountability, strengthened risk screening in key industries, and enhanced public safety management. Changsha mayor Chen Bozhang stated that search and rescue at the scene has mostly been completed.
The cause of the blast is under investigation. The person in charge of the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company has been detained by police. All fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in Liuyang have been ordered to halt production.
Background
Liuyang is a major hub for fireworks manufacturing. China exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks in 2023, accounting for more than two-thirds of global sales. In February, two deadly explosions occurred at fireworks shops in China around the lunar new year period.