Deadly Fireworks Factory Blast in China Claims 21 Lives, Prompts Massive Rescue Efforts

Beijing: A catastrophic explosion ripped through a fireworks facility in Liuyang, Hunan province, on Monday, killing at least 21 workers and wounding 61 others.

The disaster struck the Huasheng Fireworks plant in this fireworks epicenter near Changsha, sending plumes of white smoke skyward and crumpling buildings, as seen in CCTV aerial images. Local authorities evacuated nearby residents due to unstable black powder warehouses, deploying nearly 500 rescuers equipped with robots, water sprays, and humidifiers to mitigate secondary blasts during the ongoing search for missing individuals.

Police have taken the company head into custody as investigators probe the cause. President Xi Jinping demanded urgent accountability, full rescue efforts, and tighter safety protocols across high-risk sectors to prevent repeats.

Xi stressed rigorous hazard checks and public safety upgrades. Rescuers' innovative tactics, including three search robots, underscore the high-stakes operation amid smoldering ruins.

In February, China reported two deadly explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period.