On the morning of June 16, a serious explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Hunan province, killing at least 9 people and injuring 26 others.
The explosion occurred at around 8:23 a.m. at a fireworks factory in Changde City, Hunan Province. Videos circulating on social media showed a giant mushroom-shaped column of smoke rising from the scene of the explosion, accompanied by a series of loud explosions that sounded like fireworks in broad daylight.
Images from security cameras of residents near the explosion site recorded windows shaking, shattering, and loud sounds ringing out continuously. Some residents said they heard up to five loud explosions in a row and felt tremors in the area.
According to the report from the Rescue Command Center at the scene, as of 9:00 a.m. on June 17, the accident had killed 9 people and injured 26 others. Many of the victims are still being treated at the hospital, while others have been identified and their families have been notified.
A representative of the fire department said the situation at the scene was extremely complicated. The area where the explosion occurred is located in mountainous terrain, far from residential areas and has no large water source, seriously hindering firefighting and rescue efforts. Notably, the scene also has the potential for secondary disasters, including chain explosions and flash fires due to explosive materials that have not fully detonated.
To ensure safety, the rescue team took specialized measures, using remote-controlled water cannons to approach the scene, minimizing close contact between personnel to prevent secondary casualties. During more than 20 hours of continuous rescue, 28 water tankers were dispatched to the scene. In addition, 2 drainage vehicles equipped with high-capacity pumps were also mobilized to set up a remote water supply system, forming 2 water cannon points to control the fire, preventing the risk of spreading to the entire factory area.Currently, rescue work, handling the aftermath, providing medical care for the injured and providing emotional support to the victims’ families are being urgently carried out. The official cause of the explosion is still being investigated and clarified by the authorities.
This is not the first time an explosion at a fireworks production facility in China has caused large casualties. This accident once again raises the alarm about potential risks in the traditional fireworks industry, which is common in many rural areas of this country.