Deadly Explosion at China Fireworks Factory Becomes Worst Industrial Blast Since 2019, Death Toll Rises to 37

The death toll from a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has risen to 37, with one person still missing, authorities said on Friday.

The blast occurred earlier this week at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, a city in Hunan Province widely known as the country’s fireworks production hub.

Chinese state media reported that 51 people remain hospitalized following the explosion, including several in critical condition. Emergency rescue operations at the site have largely been completed after days of intensive search efforts.

The explosion reportedly occurred on Monday afternoon and triggered a massive fire that damaged nearby buildings and forced evacuations in surrounding areas due to fears of secondary explosions caused by stored combustible materials.

Authorities deployed more than 1,500 rescue personnel, along with drones, robots, and firefighting teams, to contain the disaster and search for survivors.

Police have reportedly summoned or detained several individuals linked to the factory as investigations continue into the cause of the blast. Chinese officials said safety inspections have also been ordered across fireworks manufacturing facilities in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a swift investigation and demanded stronger industrial safety measures following the tragedy.

Liuyang produces a large percentage of China’s fireworks and exports products worldwide, making the incident one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.

The disaster has once again raised concerns over workplace safety standards in China’s fireworks and chemical manufacturing industries, sectors that have experienced several fatal accidents over the years.