Remote location and ongoing fire hamper rescue efforts
At least nine people were killed and 26 others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks factory in central China, state media reported on Tuesday.
The blast occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Monday in a village near Changde city, located in Hunan province, according to China National Radio (CNR).
By 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, authorities had confirmed the casualties, with emergency crews still engaged in rescue operations amid challenging conditions.
Rescuers are facing significant obstacles due to the factory’s remote, mountainous setting and the absence of a nearby water source. Fears of further explosions have complicated the ongoing efforts.
Despite the difficulties, teams have been working nonstop for over 20 hours, deploying remote-controlled water cannons to douse the flames.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has sent a team to the site to oversee rescue and investigation efforts. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the explosion and have vowed to hold accountable those found responsible.
Industrial accidents continue to plague China, frequently linked to lax safety enforcement and unclear regulatory oversight. Just last month, a blast at a chemical plant in Shandong province claimed at least five lives.
