China factory explosion: An explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has left nine people dead and 26 injured, state media reported on Tuesday.
The blast occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Monday in a village near the city of Changde in Hunan province, according to China National Radio (CNR).
By 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, authorities had confirmed nine fatalities and 26 injuries, while rescue operations continued at the site.
Videos published by state media showed black and grey smoke rising into the sky as fireworks exploded out of a raging fire while emergency services surveyed the scene.
Officials described the situation as “complicated,” with fears of further explosions hampering the rescue efforts. The factory’s remote location in a mountainous area and lack of a nearby water source have made firefighting and rescue operations more difficult.
Despite the challenges, emergency crews have been working around the clock for over 20 hours, using remote-controlled water cannons to battle the blaze.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a team to the scene to supervise the rescue operation, investigate the cause of the explosion, and ensure accountability.
Industrial accidents are a recurring issue in China, often linked to inadequate safety standards and weak regulatory enforcement. Just last month, a chemical plant explosion in Shandong province claimed at least five lives.
