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Explosion at China Fireworks Factory Kills 26, Injures 61 in Hunan
An explosion at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang city, Hunan province, killed at least 26 people and injured 61 on Monday afternoon. Rescue operations have concluded, with authorities detaining company staff and halting all local fireworks production. President Xi Jinping called for a swift investigation and full efforts to aid the injured.
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South China Morning PostAudio version
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M. on Monday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 61. The blast triggered continuous explosions as large quantities of gunpowder stored in the warehouse area ignited, trapping people under collapsed walls, columns and roofs.
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State media reported that two gunpowder warehouses posed a high risk during rescue efforts, with rescuers humidifying the area to prevent secondary accidents. Hundreds of rescuers, including more than 1,500 emergency responders aided by dogs, drones and robots, deployed to the site. They rescued seven people trapped under debris, while residents within a 3-kilometer radius were evacuated.
A search and rescue operation has largely been completed, with verification of casualties and identification of victims now under way, Changsha mayor Chen Bozhang stated. Police detained the person in charge of the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company and took control measures against staff, according to state media.
All fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in Liuyang have been ordered to halt production.
Local authorities are monitoring water and air qualities in the vicinity, where relevant environmental indicators remain normal. Changsha emergency management bureau party secretary Ding Weiming said a large number of products caught fire at the fireworks plant, causing the continuous blasts.
The explosion shattered windows in a nearby residential building, with some injured suffering bone injuries from flying debris; their ages range from their 20s to 60s, a CCTV report noted.
Aerial footage from CCTV on Tuesday showed white smoke billowing from areas of the site. m. m. call from the government.
