A devastating blast at a fireworks manufacturing facility in China has claimed the lives of at least 21 people and left 61 others wounded, according to Chinese state media reports released Tuesday.
The deadly explosion took place Monday afternoon at a facility operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., located in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha’s administration in Hunan province. The area is widely recognized as a major center for fireworks production.
Video footage broadcast by state television CCTV on Tuesday revealed white smoke continuing to rise from portions of the facility, with buildings either destroyed or severely damaged in the blast.
Emergency response teams totaling nearly 500 personnel rushed to the location, while officials evacuated nearby residents due to safety concerns related to two black powder storage facilities located close to where the explosion occurred, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Law enforcement has taken the company’s leadership into custody as officials work to determine what caused the deadly incident, Xinhua reported.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for maximum effort in locating any missing individuals and providing care for the wounded. He demanded that officials quickly determine the explosion’s cause and hold responsible parties accountable, while also ordering improved safety measures and hazard identification across critical industries to strengthen public safety oversight.
Rescue teams implemented safety protocols including water spraying and moisture control to reduce additional risks during their operations.
Three robotic units were brought in to assist with search and rescue activities at the damaged site.
The city of Liuyang has deep roots in fireworks manufacturing. According to Guinness World Records, the earliest recorded firework – the Chinese firecracker – was created by Li Tian, a monk living near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty period from approximately 618 to 907 C.E. Li’s innovation of placing gunpowder inside hollow bamboo created explosive sounds, and he connected multiple crackers to form traditional New Year celebrations meant to ward off evil spirits.
Earlier this year in February, China experienced two separate fatal explosions at fireworks retail locations during the Lunar New Year celebration period.
