A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province on Monday (May 4) has tragically killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, according to state media reports. The explosion occurred at the Changsha Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks plant in the city of Liuyang, a major hub for the country’s fireworks industry. Videos circulating online showed thick grey smoke rising high into the sky, with the intensity of the blast visibly shaking nearby structures.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts in the rescue operations and ordered an investigation into the incident to determine those responsible. Xi’s concerns were echoed by Premier Li Qiang, who stressed the need for stricter safety enforcement across critical industries to prevent such disasters in the future. In response to the explosion, local police in Liuyang have detained several senior executives from the fireworks company while the investigation continues.

The blast, described as having an immense force, shattered windows of residential buildings within a 3-kilometer radius of the site and sent heavy debris onto nearby roads. Local authorities evacuated residents from the affected area as a precautionary measure. The explosion’s intensity led to widespread panic in the community, with some villagers fleeing the area due to safety concerns.

In total, 482 firefighters, rescue workers, and medical personnel were deployed to the scene to assist the injured and continue emergency response efforts. Robots were also utilized to locate people trapped inside the facility, while water sprays were used to reduce the risk of further explosions. Additionally, the Ministry of Emergency Management sent a team to oversee the rescue and relief operations.

The explosion in Hunan is the second major fireworks-related disaster in China in recent months. In February, a similar incident in Hubei province, involving a firecracker shop, resulted in the deaths of 12 people. These two incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety standards in China’s fireworks industry and the need for greater oversight and regulation.