Blast at China fireworks factory kills 21: state media
According to state media reports, 21 people died and 61 were injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province. This led President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation.
The explosion in Changsha, the capital of Hunan, which hosts a center for fireworks production, occurred on Monday local time, CCTV and Xinhua reported.
Videos on Chinese online platforms show thick smoke rising from a large area with collapsed buildings and debris strewn across the area. Reuters was unable to verify the footage.
About 500 firefighters, rescuers and medical personnel attended the scene, South China Morning Post reported.
The media said that the explosion occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Production and Display Company.
Xi called for a swift investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and strict accountability for the incident, Xinhua reported.
Last year, China exported US$1.14 billion ($1.59 billion) worth of fireworks, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity; this accounts for more than two-thirds of global sales.
Xi also instructed authorities to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key sectors, enhance public security and ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.
Xi frequently issues “important instructions” to local officials after disasters that result in major accidents and deaths.
Last week he called for China’s disaster response capacity to be increased nationwide.
Xi also gave the order after the fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong in November, which killed 168 people.
with AP
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