An explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, killing at least 26 people and injuring 61, state media reported Tuesday.
The blast occurred Monday at about 4:40 p.m. local time (8:40 a.m. UTC). Changsha is a major centre for fireworks manufacturing. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.
Nearly 500 rescuers were sent to the scene. Officials evacuated residents from nearby danger zones because two on-site black powder depots posed ongoing risks. Rescue teams employed spraying and humidification to lower hazards and prevent further accidents, and deployed three robots to assist search-and-rescue efforts.
President Xi Jinping has ordered a thorough investigation, state media said. He instructed officials to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, improve public safety management, and protect people’s lives and property. Xinhua reported that authorities had taken control measures against those responsible for the fireworks company but did not specify what those measures were.
Edited by Wesley Dockery