An explosion at a fireworks plant in Changsha city, Hunan province, killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others on Monday afternoon around 4:40 p.m. The blast is considered one of the country's deadliest in recent years.
Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed to the scene, where authorities evacuated people from danger zones due to high risks from two black powder warehouses. To eliminate potential hazards and prevent further accidents, rescuers utilized spraying and humidification techniques and deployed three robots to assist in search and rescue operations.
President Xi Jinping has called for a speedy and thorough investigation into the cause of the blast. He ordered authorities to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, enhance public safety management, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property. While authorities are still investigating the cause, negligence is suspected, and control measures have been taken against those in charge of the company.
Officials warned that the death toll is likely to climb as search and rescue efforts continue. This incident follows two other deadly explosions at fireworks shops reported in February around the Lunar New Year period.