Deadly Blast at Liuyang Fireworks Plant Kills 21, Injures 61
News Updated: 05 May 2026 09:53 EAT
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A deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, central China, has killed at least 21 people and left 61 others injured, according to state media. The blast occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks plant on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the region and igniting a large fire that engulfed parts of the facility.
The explosion is reported to have happened at around 4:40 p.m. local time, with witnesses describing a powerful detonation followed by thick black smoke rising into the sky. Several buildings within the factory complex were destroyed, while others sustained severe structural damage due to the intensity of the blast.
Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene in Hunan Province, with authorities mobilising more than 480 rescuers, including firefighters, paramedics and disaster response specialists. The scale of the deployment underscored the severity of the incident and the challenges faced in accessing the affected areas.
Rescue operations were complicated by the presence of hazardous materials at the site, particularly black powder used in fireworks production. Officials warned of the risk of secondary explosions, forcing teams to proceed cautiously as they searched through debris for survivors.
Authorities established a one-kilometre core rescue zone and a wider three-kilometre control area around the factory. Residents living nearby were evacuated as a precautionary measure, with security forces restricting access to prevent further casualties.
The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, where doctors worked to stabilise those in critical condition. Hospitals in the region activated emergency protocols to handle the influx of casualties following the explosion.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the blast and called for swift accountability. He also urged local authorities to strengthen safety supervision in industries dealing with hazardous materials.
Preliminary findings suggest that safety lapses or operational failures may have contributed to the explosion, although officials have stated that the exact cause remains under investigation. The person in charge of the company has reportedly been detained as part of the inquiry.
Liuyang is widely known as a global hub for fireworks manufacturing, with a large number of factories supplying both domestic and international markets. The concentration of such facilities has long raised concerns about industrial safety and regulatory enforcement.
The latest tragedy highlights ongoing risks within China’s fireworks industry, which has experienced several similar accidents in recent years. Authorities have pledged to tighten oversight and prevent future disasters as rescue and recovery efforts continue at the site.
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FELIX MAKONA
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