A powerful explosion tore through a fireworks workshop in Liuyang, a major manufacturing hub in Hunan province, killing at least 26 and injuring 61, with visual evidence showing thick smoke and collapsed buildings.

Liuyang’s status as a fireworks production center is underscored by the scale of the blast and prior history, including a deadly factory explosion in June 2025 that left at least nine dead.

Authorities have detained the person in charge of the company as investigators examine the cause and assign responsibility.

President Xi Jinping has repeatedly issued directives following major accidents, urging disaster-response upgrades and stricter safety measures across key industries.

State media reported a coordinated rescue effort using five teams totaling nearly 500 personnel, plus three rescue robots, conducting grid-style searches to locate survivors and assess damage.

Rescue operations continue as officials investigate the explosion’s cause.

Reporting was updated on May 5, 2026, shortly after the initial publication earlier that day.

Two high-risk black powder storage warehouses within the factory were identified, prompting evacuations within a 1 km radius and the establishment of a 3 km control zone.

Xi Jinping has ordered a thorough, speedy investigation, accountability for those responsible, and stronger risk screening and hazard-control measures to prevent repeats.

China remains a major fireworks producer and faces ongoing regulatory challenges, with accidents continuing to occur despite safety enforcement.

The blast produced a powerful shock wave that shattered windows and damaged nearby buildings in Liuyang.

The incident occurred on a Monday afternoon in Liuyang, a city known for its vast fireworks manufacturing network.