An explosion at a fireworks factory in Changsha, Hunan province, China, killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, according to state media. The incident occurred Monday afternoon at a facility operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Exhibition Company. Following the explosion, which ignited a large quantity of gunpowder, all local fireworks production was halted, and rescue operations were undertaken despite safety risks from potential further explosions.
Changsha Mayor Chen Bozhang announced that casualty confirmations and victim identifications were ongoing, while expressing condolences to the victims and their families. Authorities evacuated nearby residents and deployed hundreds of rescue workers, alongside automated robots to aid in the operations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for extensive rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. He emphasized the need for improved safety management and risk assessment in high-risk industries. The site, which is known for its fireworks manufacturing, has faced similar incidents in the past, including deadly explosions during previous Lunar New Year celebrations.
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