A deadly explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in central China has claimed 37 lives, with one person still unaccounted for, according to Chinese state media reports released Friday.
The devastating blast took place Monday at a production facility in Changsha, located in Hunan province, as confirmed by China’s official news agency Xinhua.
More than 60 individuals sustained injuries in the explosion, according to initial reports from the scene.
Officials are continuing their investigation into what caused the deadly incident and have mandated that all fireworks production operations in the surrounding region cease operations immediately.
The facility was run by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., situated in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha’s administration that serves as one of China’s major fireworks production centers, according to China Daily.
Liuyang holds significant historical importance in fireworks manufacturing. According to Guinness World Records, the region is connected to the first documented firework – the Chinese firecracker – which was created by Li Tian, a monk who resided near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty period spanning approximately 618 to 907 C.E.
This tragedy follows two fatal explosions that occurred at fireworks retail locations during February’s Lunar New Year celebrations, as previously reported by Chinese authorities.
