21 Dead, 61 Injured in Fireworks Factory Blast in China

Beijing, May 5: At least 21 people were killed and 61 others injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan, officials said on Tuesday.

The blast occurred on Monday afternoon at a plant operated by Huasheng fireworks manufacturing and display company in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha.

Authorities said over 480 rescuers, divided into five teams, were deployed for relief operations, along with three rescue robots. The injured have been shifted to hospitals, while a second round of search operations is underway.

Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed extensive destruction of property across several kilometres.

Rescue teams have evacuated nearby residents and created a buffer zone as the site is located close to two black powder warehouses, raising concerns of a secondary explosion.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has sent experts to assist in rescue efforts, while the person in charge of the company has been detained. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, according to Xinhua News Agency.

China remains one of the world’s leading manufacturers and exporters of fireworks. (Agencies)