China Fireworks Factory Blast Kills 26, Injures 61 in Hunan Province

At least 26 people were killed and 61 others injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province on Monday, authorities confirmed.

The blast occurred at a facility operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha, the provincial capital. The explosion caused widespread destruction, with visuals on social media showing damage across a large area.

Emergency response teams swiftly launched rescue operations, deploying over 480 personnel divided into five units. Authorities also used three rescue robots to assist in the ongoing search and relief efforts.

Officials said the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while a second phase of search operations is currently underway to locate any remaining victims.

Given the proximity of the site to two black powder storage warehouses, rescue teams evacuated nearby residents and established a safety buffer zone to prevent further explosions.

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a team of experts to oversee and guide the rescue operations at the site.

Police have detained the person in charge of the factory, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

China is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fireworks, making safety incidents in the sector a matter of serious concern.