HONG KONG: A blast at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation, state media reported on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred in the provincial capital Changsha — a major hub for fireworks manufacturing — on Monday at around 4:40pm (0840 GMT), according to reports by China Central Television and Xinhua News Agency.
Videos circulating on Chinese internet platforms showed thick smoke billowing from a large site, with collapsed buildings and debris scattered across the area. Reuters said it could not independently verify the footage.
Nearly 500 firefighters, rescuers and medical personnel were deployed to the scene, according to the South China Morning Post.
The blast occurred at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company, media reports said, though Reuters could not locate a telephone listing for the firm to seek comment.
Xi called for a swift investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and demanded strict accountability for those responsible, Xinhua reported.
According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, China exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks last year, accounting for more than two-thirds of global sales.
Xi also directed authorities to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, enhance public safety measures, and ensure the protection of lives and property.
Last week, the Chinese president had already urged a nationwide upgrade in the country’s disaster response capacity.