China Fireworks Factory Explosion Kills 26 in Liuyang

China Fireworks Factory Explosion Kills 26 in Liuyang

At least 26 people have been killed and 61 others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks manufacturing plant in China, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in 2026.

The blast occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, Hunan Province, a major hub for global fireworks production often described as the “fireworks capital of the world.”

The explosion struck around 4:40 pm local time on Monday, triggering massive fires, structural collapses, and thick smoke that blanketed the surrounding area. Witnesses and state media reports said multiple buildings within the factory complex were flattened, while debris was scattered across a wide radius due to the force of the blast.

Emergency authorities deployed more than 1,500 personnel, including firefighters, medical teams, police officers, and specialised rescue units equipped with drones and robots, as search and recovery operations continued into the night.

Officials also evacuated nearby residential communities over fears of secondary explosions linked to highly combustible materials, including black powder commonly used in fireworks production.

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Chinese authorities said several workers remain missing, and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue combing through the wreckage.

Preliminary assessments suggest the explosion may have been caused by the ignition of explosive materials at the site, but a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and whether safety violations played a role.

President Xi Jinping has ordered an urgent investigation, calling for intensified safety oversight in hazardous industries and “all-out efforts” to support rescue operations and victims’ families.

Local officials have detained the factory manager, while fireworks production in parts of Liuyang has been temporarily suspended pending comprehensive safety inspections.

Liuyang plays a critical role in the global fireworks manufacturing industry, supplying both domestic and international markets. However, the sector has long faced concerns over safety compliance, with repeated incidents highlighting risks linked to the handling and storage of explosive chemicals.

The latest disaster has reignited debate over industrial safety standards in China, particularly in high-risk manufacturing zones, where rapid production demands and regulatory gaps have previously contributed to fatal accidents.

China Fireworks Factory Explosion Kills 26 in Liuyang