Explosion at China Fireworks Plant Leaves 21 Dead, 61 Injured

An explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, according to state media.

The blast occurred at about 16:40 local time on Monday (around 08:40 GMT) at the Huasheng Fireworks facility in Liuyang.

Rescuers evacuated people within a 3 km (1.9 miles) radius of the plant as the response began.

Authorities sent nearly 500 personnel to search for survivors, rescue anyone trapped inside, and provide medical treatment.

Robots were also deployed to help locate people in the damaged building.

Police are investigating the cause of the explosion and have reportedly taken “control measures” against the person in charge of the fireworks company.

State media also said that two gunpowder warehouses within the factory area created a high-risk situation during rescue operations.

Rescue workers also put additional precautions in place—such as humidifying the area—to help reduce the chances of secondary accidents.

The force of the blast was reportedly strong enough to shatter windows in a nearby residential building, according to a CCTV reporter.

Injuries range across adults from their 20s to 60s, with some victims suffering bone injuries after debris was reportedly thrown by the blast, CCTV said.

China’s President Xi Jinping urged officials to focus on finding any missing people, saving the injured, and launching a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Residents interviewed by local media described damage to homes, including shattered glass, deformed frames, and twisted metal doors.

One resident said villagers were taking detours because stones were blown onto the road, while another said she had left the area out of fear.

Liuyang is widely known for fireworks production and is often described as the world’s largest producer.

Explosions at fireworks factories and shops are not uncommon in China and are frequently deadly.

In February, for example, 12 people were killed in a blast at a fireworks shop in Hubei province.