By Blessing Nweke

A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan Province has killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, according to Chinese state media, marking one of the region’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.

The blast struck the Changsha Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks plant at around 16:40 local time on Monday in Liuyang, a major hub for China’s fireworks industry. The explosion’s force prompted authorities to evacuate residents and workers within a 3km radius as emergency crews rushed to contain the situation.

Nearly 500 rescue personnel were deployed to search for survivors and assist the injured. Authorities also utilized robots to navigate hazardous areas inside the damaged facility, where unstable structures and lingering վտանգ posed significant risks to human responders.

Officials reported that two gunpowder warehouses on-site remained highly volatile during rescue operations, raising fears of secondary explosions. Teams worked to humidify the surrounding area in an effort to stabilize conditions and prevent further incidents.

The blast caused widespread damage beyond the factory grounds. Windows in nearby residential buildings were shattered, underscoring the scale of the explosion’s impact, according to footage broadcast by state media.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident and have taken “control measures” against the individual responsible for overseeing the company, though further details were not immediately released.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to locate missing individuals and provide urgent medical care to the injured. He also ordered a thorough investigation to determine accountability and prevent similar disasters in the future.

The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over industrial safety standards in China’s manufacturing sector.