RismadarVoice Reporters, May 5, 2026
At least 26 people have been confirmed dead and 61 others injured following a devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China, authorities said on Tuesday.
The blast occurred on Monday afternoon at a facility in Changsha, located in Hunan, according to reports by state media.
The plant is operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, a county-level city widely regarded as a major hub of China’s fireworks industry.
Officials said search and rescue operations have largely been completed, although efforts are ongoing to verify casualty figures and identify victims. Chen Bozhang noted that emergency teams have been working around the clock to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed thick plumes of white smoke still rising from sections of the facility, with several structures either collapsed or severely damaged.
Nearly 500 emergency responders were deployed to the scene, while residents in surrounding high-risk areas were evacuated due to concerns over nearby black powder storage units that could trigger further explosions.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, and the individual in charge of the company has been taken into police custody.
Reacting to the tragedy, Xi Jinping called for full-scale rescue efforts to locate missing persons and ensure the injured receive urgent medical care. He also directed relevant agencies to swiftly determine the cause of the explosion and enforce strict accountability where necessary.
To minimise additional risks during rescue operations, emergency teams implemented safety measures including water spraying and environmental control to neutralise hazardous materials. Robotic equipment was also deployed to assist responders in navigating dangerous sections of the site.
Liuyang, the location of the factory, has a centuries-old tradition of fireworks production and remains central to the industry in China. However, the latest incident adds to growing concerns over industrial safety, particularly in facilities handling explosive materials.
