Deadly blast rips through China fireworks factory leaving 26 killed

At least 26 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks factory in central China, authorities said, in one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the country this year.

The blast struck a facility operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, a major production hub in Hunan province, on Monday afternoon, flattening buildings and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.

State media reported that 61 people were injured, with emergency crews racing against time to locate survivors amid the rubble.

The explosion occurred around 4:40 pm local time, triggering fires and structural collapses that complicated rescue efforts.

More than 1,500 emergency personnel, including firefighters, medical teams, police, and specialised units using drones and robots, were deployed to the scene.

Authorities evacuated nearby բնակարան areas over fears of secondary explosions linked to highly combustible black powder stored at the site.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the disaster, calling for “all-out efforts” in rescue operations and stricter oversight of hazardous industries.

Local officials have since detained the factory’s manager and suspended fireworks production across the area pending safety inspections.

Liuyang, often described as the world’s fireworks capital, plays a critical role in both domestic and global pyrotechnics supply, with a long history dating back centuries.

The latest tragedy has once again drawn attention to persistent safety risks in China’s fireworks and chemical sectors, where accidents have continued despite repeated regulatory crackdowns.

Witness footage circulating online showed towering smoke clouds rising above the complex, while debris scattered across a wide radius underscored the force of the explosion.

Officials warned the death toll could rise further as search operations continue and some victims remain unaccounted for.