An explosion at a fireworks factory in a central Chinese province killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, according to state media.
The explosion occurred Monday afternoon at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, a city governed by Changsha in Hunan province, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.
The factory was operated by Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hunan’s capital, Changsha. Liuyang is home to a fireworks production hub, state media China Daily reported.
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Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire after an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China. (Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV still showed white smoke in parts of the area on Tuesday, with collapsed or damaged facilities and debris strewn everywhere.
Nearly 500 firefighters, rescue workers and medical personnel responded to the scene, according to the South China Morning Post. People in danger zones were evacuated due to what authorities described as the high risks posed by two black powder warehouses at the site.
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, China’s Hunan province, killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others. (Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “every effort” to rescue injured victims and search for people still missing, Xinhua reported. He called on authorities to investigate the cause and pursue serious accountability. Xi also ordered effective risk screening and hazard control in key industries and strengthening public security management.
Xi often gives “important instructions” to local officials after fatal accidents and disasters, according to reports.
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Rescue forces carry out rescue operations after an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, China’s Hunan province. (Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
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Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion and unspecified “control measures” were taken against those in charge of the company.
In an effort to prevent additional accidents during the search for survivors, rescuers have taken measures such as spraying and humidification to eliminate potential hazards. Robots were also deployed to assist in the search and rescue operation.
