China fireworks plant blast kills 21, injures 61 in Hunan Province
Synopsis
A fireworks plant in Liuyang — the world's largest fireworks-producing city — exploded Monday, killing 21 and injuring 61. With two black powder warehouses nearby, rescuers are racing to prevent a secondary blast. China's president has personally intervened, and the company chief is already in police custody.
Key Takeaways
A fireworks plant explosion in Liuyang, Hunan Province on 5 May killed 21 people and injured 61 others .
The blast occurred at 4:43 pm at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company .
Over 480 rescuers in five teams , including three rescue robots , were deployed to the site.
Residents within a 3-kilometre radius were evacuated due to proximity to two black powder warehouses .
President Xi Jinping ordered a full investigation; the company chief has been detained by police.
In February , a separate fireworks store blast in Hubei Province killed 12 people .
A massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in Liuyang, Hunan Province, central China, killed 21 people and injured 61 others on Monday, 5 May, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The blast struck the facility of Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company at approximately 4:43 pm local time, triggering a large-scale emergency response.
How the Explosion Unfolded
The explosion occurred at the Huasheng plant in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. The blast site is located near two black powder warehouses, raising the risk of secondary explosions. Rescuers evacuated residents within a 3-kilometre radius and established a buffer zone as a precautionary measure. Authorities also implemented area-wide humidification measures to reduce ignition risk during rescue operations.
Rescue Operations Underway
More than 480 rescuers organised into five teams were mobilised, supported by three rescue robots. By 8 am Tuesday, the first round of search operations had confirmed the casualty toll, with the second round of searching underway. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. China's Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched experts to the scene to guide rescue efforts.
Government Response and Accountability
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to locate those still unaccounted for and treat the injured, according to state media. Xi also urged a thorough investigation to hold those responsible to account. Separately, the person in charge of the company has been detained by police, and the cause of the explosion is under investigation, according to Xinhua news agency.
A Pattern of Deadly Blasts in China
Liuyang is globally recognised as the world's largest fireworks-producing city, a status that has historically come with significant industrial risk. Explosions at fireworks factories and shops are not uncommon in China and are often deadly. As recently as February, 12 people were killed in a separate explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei Province. This latest incident renews scrutiny over safety standards in China's fireworks manufacturing industry, which has faced repeated criticism over lax enforcement.
Investigations are ongoing, and the full extent of structural damage to the plant and surrounding area is yet to be assessed.
Point of View
Where production scale has consistently outpaced safety enforcement. Xi Jinping's personal directive signals political urgency, but accountability in past incidents rarely translated into systemic reform. The detention of the company chief follows a familiar script; the harder question is whether regulatory frameworks governing proximity of manufacturing units to explosive storage will actually change.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Liuyang fireworks plant explosion?
A fireworks manufacturing plant owned by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang, Hunan Province, exploded on 5 May at around 4:43 pm, killing 21 people and injuring 61 others. Rescue operations involving over 480 personnel are ongoing.
Where is Liuyang and why is it significant?
Liuyang is a county-level city under Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province in central China. It is widely regarded as the world's largest producer of fireworks, making industrial accidents at its manufacturing facilities particularly high-risk events.
What is the risk of a secondary explosion at the site?
The explosion site is located near two black powder warehouses, prompting authorities to evacuate residents within a 3-kilometre radius and implement humidification measures to reduce ignition risk during rescue operations.
What action has the Chinese government taken?
President Xi Jinping has called for all-out rescue efforts and a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched experts to the scene, and the person in charge of the company has been detained by police.
How does this compare to past fireworks accidents in China?
Explosions at fireworks factories and stores are not uncommon in China. As recently as February, 12 people were killed in a fireworks store blast in Hubei Province, highlighting a recurring pattern of deadly incidents in the sector.
