Hunan Liuyang Firework Factory Blast: Death Toll Rises to 21 with 61 Injured; 3km Control Zone Set
An explosion at a firework factory in Liuyang, Hunan, has resulted in 21 deaths and 61 injuries. Xi Jinping has ordered a full rescue and investigation, while authorities have established a 3km control zone around the high-risk site and detained the company management.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 10:54
- 🔍 Collected: May 5, 2026 at 11:01 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 5, 2026 at 11:24 (22 min after Collected)
BEIJING, May 5 (CNA) — Following instructions from CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding the firework factory explosion in Liuyang, Hunan, official media reported updated figures this morning, stating that the accident has claimed 21 lives and left 61 injured. The blast occurred around 4:40 PM on May 4 at a workshop belonging to Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., Ltd. in Liuyang, Changsha. According to Xinhua, as of 8 AM on May 5, a first round of inspections confirmed 21 deaths and 61 injuries, with a second round of searches currently underway. Public security authorities have detained the person in charge of the company as the investigation into the cause continues. China''s Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched experts to guide rescue efforts. Due to the high risk posed by two black powder warehouses at the site, the rescue headquarters established a 1km core rescue zone and a 3km control zone, evacuating local residents to safety. To prevent secondary accidents, isolation and fire belts have been set up around the plant, utilizing measures such as spraying and humidification. Xi Jinping emphasized the need to search for missing persons, provide full medical treatment to the injured, and strictly investigate the cause to hold parties accountable. Earlier reports on the evening of the 4th had initially placed the toll at 3 dead and 25 injured.