21 killed, 61 injured in China fireworks factory blast as Xi orders urgent probe

A massive explosion happened at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province. The explosion resulted in 21 people being killed and 61 getting injured. 

The President of China, Xi Jinping, has ordered a full investigation and strict accountability, according to Chinese state media reports.

According to reports, the blast occurred in a major fireworks manufacturing hub under the administration of Changsha, the provincial capital of Hunan. 

The facility, identified by state media as the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company, was heavily damaged in the explosion.

Footage broadcast by state-run CCTV and Xinhua showed thick smoke rising from the site. The collapsed buildings and scattered debris was also visible across the compound. 

Authorities said nearly 500 rescue personnel, along with three rescue robots, were deployed to the scene. 

Emergency teams carried out coordinated grid-style search operations under what officials described as a “human–machine coordinated approach.” 

Moreover, rescue workers evacuated residents from nearby areas, establishing a 1-kilometre rescue zone and a 3-kilometre restricted control zone to prevent further casualties.

State media reported that the person in charge of the company has been detained, while investigators are working to determine the cause of the explosion. China Daily said a formal inquiry is underway.

President Xi Jinping called for a rapid investigation into the incident.