China fireworks factory blast has claimed at least 21 lives and left 61 people injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a manufacturing site in Hunan province. The incident has triggered widespread concern over industrial safety standards in the country.
The explosion occurred on Monday at around 4:40 p.m. local time in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. The area is known as a major hub for fireworks production, making the China fireworks factory blast particularly significant for the industry.
According to state media reports, thick smoke was seen rising from the site, while several buildings collapsed due to the intensity of the explosion. Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed widespread destruction, though Reuters has not independently verified the footage.
Emergency response teams were quickly deployed, with nearly 500 firefighters, rescue workers, and medical personnel arriving at the scene. Authorities continue to search for survivors and assess the full scale of damage caused by the China fireworks factory blast.
The blast reportedly occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause, but investigations are underway to determine what triggered the deadly incident.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a thorough investigation into the explosion and called for strict accountability. He also emphasized improving safety measures and risk monitoring in high-hazard industries following the China fireworks factory blast.
China remains one of the world’s largest exporters of fireworks, accounting for more than two-thirds of global supply. The incident has renewed debate over workplace safety and regulatory enforcement in the manufacturing sector.