Factory blast in China’s Hunan kills 21, injures 61

Hong Kong: An explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province left 21 people dead and 61 others injured, according to state media reports carried on Tuesday.

The blast took place in Changsha, the provincial capital of Hunan, on Monday at about 4:40pm (0840 GMT), according to CCTV and Xinhua. Changsha is described in the report as a centre for fireworks manufacturing.

State media said the explosion occurred at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company. Videos circulating on Chinese internet platforms showed heavy smoke rising from a large compound, with buildings damaged or collapsed and debris scattered across the area. Reuters said it could not independently verify the footage.

According to the South China Morning Post, nearly 500 firefighters, rescue workers and medical personnel were deployed to the site following the explosion.

Xi orders investigation

President Xi Jinping called for a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident, Xinhua reported. He directed authorities to quickly establish the cause of the blast and ensure strict accountability.

Xi also instructed officials to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, improve public safety measures and safeguard people’s lives and property.

Last week Xi had urged a nationwide improvement in China’s disaster response capacity.

Fireworks industry context

China exported fireworks worth $1.14 billion last year, accounting for more than two-thirds of global sales, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Reuters said it was unable to find a telephone listing for the company in order to seek comment.

The explosion is one of the latest major industrial accidents reported in China, where authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for tighter safety oversight in high-risk sectors. In this case, state media said the president had specifically ordered stronger preventive checks and tighter controls in important industries after the Hunan blast.

The casualty toll reported by state media stood at 21 dead and 61 injured.