Liuyang, China, May 5, 2026
At least 21 people were killed and 61 others injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan province, central China, according to official sources.
Context and Precedents
This tragedy comes less than a year after a similar incident in the same region. In June 2025, an explosion at another fireworks factory in Hunan claimed at least nine lives. These repeated accidents raise concerns about safety standards in the industry, which is vital to the local economy.
The city of Liuyang is renowned for its fireworks production, a major economic activity in this part of central China. However, accidents related to the manufacturing of these pyrotechnic products are frequent, despite existing regulations.
Reactions and Emergency Measures
Chinese President Xi Jinping immediately ordered search operations to locate the missing and medical care for the injured. He also called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.