An explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 26 people and left 61 others injured, according to reports from state media.
The blast struck the manufacturing facility in a region long associated with China's fireworks industry. State media reported the casualty figures but did not immediately provide details on what triggered the explosion or whether the number of victims could rise further.
Emergency response
Rescue teams were deployed to the site following the incident. The scale of the explosion, which caused significant casualties among what are presumed to be factory workers, prompted an emergency response from local authorities.
Hunan province is home to a concentration of fireworks and pyrotechnics manufacturers. The area around Liuyang, a city in Hunan, is widely regarded as one of the world's largest producers of fireworks, supplying both domestic and international markets.
History of industrial accidents
Explosions at fireworks and chemical facilities are not uncommon in China. The country has faced repeated industrial accidents over the years, often linked to safety violations or inadequate oversight at manufacturing sites handling flammable or explosive materials.
Chinese authorities have periodically launched safety inspection campaigns targeting pyrotechnics manufacturers following high-profile incidents, though critics have argued that enforcement remains inconsistent across the industry.
The BBC, which cited state media in its reporting, did not provide additional details on the specific location of the factory or the identities of those killed and wounded. An official investigation into the cause of the explosion is expected.
The incident is among the deadliest recorded at a Chinese fireworks facility in recent years. Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on potential regulatory or criminal consequences stemming from the blast.
