BEIJING – A catastrophic explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in China has claimed 37 lives, with authorities confirming Friday that the death count has increased from the previously reported 26 fatalities, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. One individual remains unaccounted for following the Monday afternoon disaster.
The devastating blast occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. local time in Liuyang, a city located in southern China’s Hunan province. This community serves as the nation’s primary fireworks production hub, responsible for manufacturing 60% of China’s domestic fireworks supply and approximately 70% of the country’s pyrotechnic exports.
Emergency response teams have concluded their search and rescue operations at the blast site, while medical facilities continue treating 51 injured individuals, state media reported.
Chinese authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with law enforcement officials bringing in eight individuals for questioning in connection with the fatal explosion. The inquiry is being overseen by China’s highest prosecutorial authorities, demonstrating the severity of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Hunan provincial officials have mandated that all fireworks manufacturing facilities in Liuyang cease operations temporarily while safety inspections are conducted.
This marks the most deadly industrial accident in China since a 2019 chemical facility explosion in Jiangsu province that resulted in 78 deaths. Earlier this year in June, another fireworks plant explosion in Hunan province killed nine workers.
