BEIJING, May 5: A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, officials said on Tuesday.
The blast took place on Monday afternoon at the Huasheng fireworks manufacturing and display company in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha.
The explosion caused severe destruction across several kilometres, with social media videos showing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Emergency response teams deployed more than 480 rescuers organised into five groups, along with rescue robots, to carry out search, rescue, and relief operations. All injured victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Authorities said the factory was located near two black powder warehouses, raising concerns about further explosions. As a precaution, nearby residents were evacuated and a buffer zone was set up to secure the area. The Ministry of Emergency Management has also sent experts to assist in the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.
Changsha Mayor Chen Bozhang expressed condolences to the victims’ families, apologised for the tragedy, and observed a moment of silence during a press briefing, calling the incident deeply painful. Police have detained the person in charge of the company, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether safety violations contributed to the disaster. (AP)
