An explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, has killed more than 20 people and injured dozens, authorities confirmed.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, the blast occurred at a fireworks manufacturer in Liuyang, Changsha, at 4:43 p.m. local time the previous day. Liuyang is known as one of China's leading hubs for the fireworks industry.
Immediately after the accident, the toll was reported at three dead and 25 injured, but casualties rose sharply as rescue operations continued. According to China Daily and China Central Television (CCTV), as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, 21 people had been killed and 61 injured. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A rescue command center has been set up at the site, with approximately 500 rescue personnel deployed to conduct search and recovery operations. Authorities designated a one-kilometer radius as the core rescue zone and a three-kilometer radius as a controlled area, evacuating residents. A second detailed search is underway, with rescue robots reportedly deployed in some sections.
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Public security authorities have placed the company's responsible officials under control and launched an investigation.
Immediately after the accident, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed officials to "devote all efforts to searching for the missing and treating the injured, swiftly identify the cause of the accident, and severely punish those responsible." He also ordered stronger safety management across the fireworks industry.
Videos posted on Chinese social media showed a mushroom cloud rising from the factory after the explosion. According to accounts from the scene, the blast shattered doors and windows of houses in nearby villages, and even heavy rocks were sent flying onto roadsides.
Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also emphasized the need to quickly assess casualties and prevent secondary accidents through scientific rescue operations, urging authorities to make every effort in managing the aftermath and follow-up measures.
The explosion damaged windows and doors of houses in nearby villages, according to reports. Videos circulating online captured a massive explosion and a mushroom cloud rising from the site.
Meanwhile, the accident is one of several incidents that have occurred during China's recent holiday period, reigniting concerns over the country's industrial safety management.
