05.05.2026 09:12
In an explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province, 21 workers lost their lives and 61 people were injured. After the explosion at the facility in Liuyang, teams were dispatched to the area, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing. President Xi Jinping ordered a swift investigation into the incident and an enhancement of workplace safety measures.
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan Province, southern China, killed 21 people and injured 61. A large-scale rescue operation was launched in the area following the incident.
EXPLOSION OCCURRED AT THE FACTORY
According to Xinhua, a violent explosion occurred at the fireworks factory in Liuyang County, under the provincial capital Changsha, last evening. The local Emergency Management Bureau announced that 21 workers present at the factory during the explosion lost their lives and 61 people were injured.
RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE
Numerous firefighting and emergency teams were dispatched to the area after the explosion. Authorities reported that search and rescue operations are ongoing and the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals.
INSTRUCTION FROM XI JINPING
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a statement after the incident, called for all resources to be mobilized. Xi demanded a swift investigation into the causes of the accident and accountability for those responsible. He also instructed local governments to enhance workplace safety measures and tighten risk inspections.
REGION KNOWN AS PRODUCTION CENTER
Liuyang County is known as a center for fireworks production in China. Similar accidents in such facilities have frequently occurred in the country due to inadequate safety measures.
SIMILAR ACCIDENTS IN THE PAST
In June 2025, an explosion at another factory in Hunan Province killed 9 people and injured 26. In the same year, during a show in Liuyang, malfunctioning drones ignited fireworks, causing a panic but no casualties. In February of this year, explosions at fireworks shops in two different provinces killed a total of 20 people.