A powerful explosion at the Huasheng fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan province, on Monday killed 26 people and injured 61, according to Chinese state media.

Rescue operations have concluded, with authorities evacuating everyone within a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) radius of the plant. Over 1,500 emergency responders, including dogs, drones, and robots, rescued seven people trapped under debris.

Police are investigating the cause of the blast and have taken “control measures” against the factory’s responsible staff. State media reported that two gunpowder warehouses on site posed a high risk during rescue efforts.

Rescuers implemented measures such as humidifying the area to “prevent secondary accidents.” A CCTV reporter noted that the blast shattered windows of a nearby residential building. The injured range in age from their 20s to 60s, with some suffering bone injuries from flying debris.

President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to search for the missing and save the injured, as well as a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Local authorities said Tuesday they are monitoring water and air quality, with environmental indicators reportedly normal.

A resident living about 1 km from the factory told Beijing News that villagers now face detours due to stones blasted onto the road. “The glass windows in our homes were shattered, aluminum window frames were deformed, and even the stainless-steel doors were twisted out of shape,” she said. Another resident left the village out of fear.

Liuyang is known as the world’s largest producer of fireworks. Blasts at fireworks factories and stores are not uncommon in China and are often deadly. In February, 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei province.

Source: www.bbc.com