CHANGSHA, May 5 — A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting a call from President Xi Jinping for a thorough investigation, state media reported today.
The explosion in Liuyang, under the administration of Hunan's capital Changsha and a hub for fireworks manufacturing, occurred yesterday around 4.40pm (0840 GMT), according to reports from CCTV and Xinhua.
Social media footage showed massive plumes of smoke billowing up into clear blue skies against a backdrop of lush, green mountains. Reuters verified that the location shown in the footage, posted on social media yesterday, was Changsha.
A Xinhua video showed thick clouds of smoke rising from a large site littered with collapsed buildings and debris.
It also reported that five rescue teams of nearly 500 personnel, together with three rescue robots, were dispatched to the scene, adopting a "human-machine coordinated approach" to conduct grid-style searches.
Two black powder storage warehouses within the factory compound posed high-risk hazards, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from danger zones and establish a 1km rescue area and a 3km control zone.
The blast happened at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company. Reuters could not find a telephone listing for the company to seek comment.
China Daily reported that the person in charge of the company has been detained and that the cause of the accident is under investigation.
Xinhua reported that Xi has called for a swift investigation into the cause of the explosion and strict accountability for the incident.
Based on the Observatory of Economic Complexity's data, China exported US$1.14 billion (RM4.52 billion) worth of fireworks last year, over two-thirds of global sales.
The President also ordered authorities to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, enhance public safety and ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
Xi often issues "important instructions" to local officials after major accidents and disasters with fatalities. Last week, he urged a nationwide upgrade in China's disaster response capacity.
Xi also issued instructions after a fire tore through several residential towers in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court complex in November, killing 168 people.
