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An explosion at a fireworks factory in A central Chinese province According to state media, at least 21 people were killed and 61 others were injured.
The explosion occurred on Monday afternoon at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, a Changsha-administered city in Hunan province, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.
The plant was operated by Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, which is under the jurisdiction of Hunan’s capital Changsha. Liuyang is home to a fireworks manufacturing center, state media China Daily reported.
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Firefighters work to extinguish a fire following an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, China’s Hunan province. (Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed white smoke still rising in parts of the area on Tuesday, facilities collapsed or damaged and debris strewn about.
According to the South China Morning Post, nearly 500 firefighters, rescuers and medical personnel were at the scene. People in danger zones were evacuated from two black powder depots at the site due to what authorities considered to be high risks.
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 “all-out efforts” to rescue injured victims and search for people still missing, Xinhua reported. He called on authorities to investigate the cause and take serious responsibility. Xi also ordered effective risk review and threat control in key industries and strengthening public security management.
Xi reportedly often gives “important instructions” to local officials after deadly accidents and disasters.
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Firefighters carry out rescue operations after an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China. (Yang Huafeng/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
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Authorities opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion and unspecified “control measures” were taken against those responsible for the company.
To avoid further accidents while searching for survivors, rescuers took measures such as spraying and moistening to eliminate potential dangers. Robots were also used to provide support Search and rescue operation.
