At least 21 people were killed and 61 others injured in a powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in central China, prompting President Xi Jinping to order an immediate investigation and demand strict accountability.
The blast occurred on Monday at approximately 4:40pm local time in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, a major hub for the country’s fireworks manufacturing industry. State media, including China Central Television and Xinhua News Agency, reported that the explosion took place at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company.
Footage circulating on Chinese social media platforms showed dense plumes of smoke rising from the site, with buildings reduced to rubble and debris scattered across a wide area. The authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified.
Emergency response teams, including nearly 500 firefighters, rescue workers, and medical personnel, were deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims, according to reports.
In the aftermath, Xi Jinping called for a swift and thorough probe to determine the cause of the explosion, emphasizing the need for strict oversight and accountability. He also directed authorities to enhance safety protocols, strengthen risk screening in high-risk industries, and improve nationwide disaster response mechanisms.
China dominates the global fireworks market, accounting for more than two-thirds of worldwide exports. According to trade data, the country exported approximately $1.14 billion worth of fireworks last year, underscoring the scale and economic importance of the sector.
The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of industrial safety standards in China, particularly in hazardous manufacturing sectors that have historically faced regulatory challenges.