Xi orders full rescue efforts after deadly fireworks plant explosion in Hunan

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue and relief efforts following a deadly explosion at a fireworks plant in central China’s Liuyang, which caused heavy casualties on Monday afternoon.

The blast occurred at around 4:40pm at the facility located in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha, the provincial capital. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities racing to locate missing persons and provide urgent medical treatment to the injured.

In instructions issued after the incident, Xi called for intensified efforts to search for those unaccounted for and ensure the best possible care for victims. He also stressed the need to strengthen risk identification and hazard control in key industries, enhance public safety management, and safeguard lives and property.

Xi further directed authorities to properly handle the aftermath of the accident and launch a swift and thorough investigation, emphasising that accountability must be ensured for those found responsible. He urged officials across all regions and departments to draw lessons from the incident and reinforce workplace safety measures.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang echoed these concerns, calling for stronger oversight in high-risk sectors and resolute steps to prevent major accidents.

According to Chinese state media, including Xinhua News Agency, the Ministry of Emergency Management of China has dispatched a working team to the site to guide rescue and relief operations. Local emergency responders have been mobilised to the scene, where efforts to treat the injured and stabilise the situation remain underway.

The incident has once again drawn attention to industrial safety in China’s fireworks manufacturing sector, with authorities pledging stricter enforcement and improved safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.