The death toll from a fireworks factory explosion in China’s Hunan province has risen to 37, with one person missing. Authorities said 51 injured people remain hospitalized following the deadly blast in Liuyang city. The incident became China’s deadliest industrial explosion since the 2019 Jiangsu chemical plant disaster.
The explosion occurred Monday afternoon in Liuyang, widely known as China’s fireworks manufacturing hub. The city produces nearly 60 percent of China’s domestic fireworks supply and most export shipments. State media reported that rescue and recovery operations at the site have now concluded. Investigators also launched a formal probe into the cause of the deadly explosion.
Read more: China fireworks factory blast death toll climbs to 37
Meanwhile, police questioned eight people suspected of responsibility for the incident, according to Chinese state media reports. China’s top prosecutors are supervising the ongoing investigation into possible safety violations and operational failures. Authorities in Hunan additionally ordered all fireworks factories in Liuyang to suspend operations immediately. Officials said the shutdown would continue until comprehensive safety inspections are completed.
Industrial accidents remain a serious concern in China despite repeated government promises to strengthen workplace safety enforcement. In June, another fireworks factory explosion in Hunan province killed at least nine people. Authorities have faced criticism previously for weak oversight and poor enforcement of industrial safety standards. Experts say aging facilities and inadequate regulations continue increasing risks across hazardous manufacturing industries.
Read more: Blast at China fireworks factory kills 21, Xi orders probe
The latest explosion revived memories of the 2019 chemical plant blast in Jiangsu province that killed 78 people. That disaster triggered nationwide safety inspections and stricter regulations for chemical and industrial facilities across China. However, deadly industrial accidents still occur regularly, especially in factories handling explosive or hazardous materials. Officials are expected to release further findings once the investigation into the Liuyang blast concludes.