21 people were killed in an explosion at a pyrotechnics factory in China.

A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang City, Hunan Province, China, has killed 21 people and injured 61 others to varying degrees. BBC reported this.

 

According to reports, the incident occurred on Monday at around 16:40 local time at the Huasheng Fireworks factory. Following the explosion, rescue services immediately evacuated residents from an area within a 3-kilometer radius around the factory.

 

Approximately 500 personnel were involved in the search and rescue operations, and robotic technology was also used to identify those trapped inside the building. According to officials, two gunpowder storage facilities on the factory premises remain a high-risk source during the rescue process.

 

Law enforcement agencies are investigating the causes of the explosion. According to preliminary information, "control measures" have been applied to the head of the pyrotechnics enterprise. The force of the explosion also damaged nearby residential areas.

 

"The windows in our houses were shattered, aluminum frames were bent, and even stainless steel doors were twisted," said a resident.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping has mobilized all forces and resources regarding the incident and issued instructions to search for the missing and rescue the injured. He also emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.

 

According to local residents, the explosion scattered rocks and debris on the roads, and some citizens left the area for safety reasons.

 

Liuyang City is one of the major centers for the production of pyrotechnic products. Explosions at such enterprises in China occur frequently and often lead to severe consequences. In February of this year, an explosion at a pyrotechnics store in Hubei Province killed 12 people.