An explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang killed 26 people and injured over 60 others on 4 May. Five rescue teams totaling 482 personnel attended the scene, according to local news reports, but search and rescue efforts were hampered by re-ignition and further explosions of stored gunpowder as well as finished and semi-finished firework products on the site. The plant’s walls, pillars and roof had also largely collapsed, trapping people and blocking access.
President Xi Jinping ordered an increase in risk screening and hazard control in key sectors following the incident. Work at al other fireworks factories in Liuyang was suspended while additional safety inspections were conducted. The town is a major fireworks manufacturing centre for China, accounting for about 60% of the domestic market and roughly 70% of its exports.
The incident comes just days after China’s first comprehensive chemical safety management law entered into force on 1 May.
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