Explosion at fireworks factory in China kills at least 21 people , state media says
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- A fireworks factory explosion in Liuyang, Hunan province, China, killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting a major rescue operation involving nearly 500 personnel and evacuation of nearby residents.
- The blast occurred at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company around 4:40 pm on Monday, with two black powder warehouses posing ongoing hazards.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a thorough and speedy investigation, demanding strict accountability and enhanced safety measures in key industries to protect public safety.
- Authorities have detained the company’s person in charge and are investigating the cause, while deploying robots to aid the search and rescue efforts.
- The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in China’s fireworks industry, which exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks last year, accounting for over two-thirds of global sales.
