SouthernWorldwide.com – An explosion at a fireworks plant in China has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals, with dozens more sustaining injuries. The incident occurred in Changsha city, located in Hunan province.
According to China’s official news agency Xinhua, the blast took place on Monday afternoon at a facility operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. This company is situated in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha’s administration and a significant hub for fireworks production.
The mayor of Changsha, Chen Bozhang, stated that search and rescue operations at the site have largely concluded. However, the process of verifying the exact casualty count and identifying the victims is still ongoing.
Aerial footage broadcast by state media outlet CCTV on Tuesday depicted plumes of white smoke emanating from sections of the plant, with visible structural damage and collapses.
Approximately 500 rescuers were dispatched to the scene. Authorities also initiated the evacuation of residents from areas deemed to be at high risk, particularly due to the proximity of two black powder warehouses to the explosion site, as reported by Xinhua.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion has been launched, and the individual in charge of the company has been detained, according to Xinhua.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to locate any missing persons and to provide care for the injured. He has also urged for a swift investigation into the cause and for accountability to be pursued.
Furthermore, President Xi has ordered a thorough review of risks and hazard controls in critical industries, emphasizing the need to strengthen public safety management.
To mitigate further risks during the ongoing operations, rescuers employed methods such as spraying and humidification to address potential hazards.
The rescue efforts also utilized three robots to assist in the search and rescue operation.
Liuyang boasts a long-standing tradition of fireworks manufacturing. Historical records indicate that the first documented firework, the Chinese firecracker, is attributed to Li Tian, a monk who lived near Liuyang during China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.).
Li Tian discovered that gunpowder enclosed in hollow bamboo stems produced loud explosions. He also developed the practice of binding crackers together to create traditional New Year firecrackers, believed to ward off evil spirits.
In a separate incident earlier this year, in February, China reported two fatal explosions at fireworks shops. These incidents occurred around the time of the Lunar New Year.
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Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows that China is a dominant force in the global fireworks market. Last year, the country exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks, accounting for over two-thirds of worldwide sales, according to Reuters.
