21 dead after explosion at fireworks factory
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- A fireworks factory blast in Liuyang, Hunan province, China, killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting evacuation within a 3km radius and deployment of nearly 500 rescue personnel.
- The explosion at Huasheng Fireworks plant caused significant damage, shattering nearby residential windows and scattering debris, leading to road detours and fear among local residents.
- Rescue operations included the use of robots to locate trapped individuals and measures such as humidifying the area to prevent secondary accidents due to two high-risk gunpowder warehouses on site.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and have taken control measures against the person in charge of the factory, while President Xi Jinping called for a thorough investigation and accountability.
- Liuyang city, known as the world's largest fireworks producer, is dealing with the aftermath as residents cope with damage and disruption caused by the explosion.
