A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has left at least 21 dead and 61 injured, according to state media, quoted by the BBC.
Strong explosion produced at a fireworks factory in China. PHOTO: X/ @osintpeace
The explosion occurred at around 16:40 local time on Monday at the Changsha Liuyang Huasheng factory in Liuyang City. Following the incident, the authorities ordered the evacuation of all people within a radius of approximately 3 kilometers around the unit.
Almost 500 rescuers were mobilized for the intervention, who carried out search and rescue operations and provided medical care to the injured. At the same time, robots were also used to help locate people trapped under the rubble.
The investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing, and police have taken “control measures” against the person in charge of the company that runs the factory, according to official sources.
Authorities warned that two gunpowder stores on the premises posed a high risk during the intervention, complicating rescue operations. To reduce the danger of secondary explosions, teams applied special measures, including humidification of the affected area.
The impact of the explosion was strong, being also felt in nearby areas. According to a reporter for state television CCTV, the windows of some residential buildings in the vicinity were destroyed by the blast.
President Xi Jinping called for intensifying efforts to find the missing people and rescue the injured, as well as launching an investigation to determine the responsibilities for the tragedy.
