Twelve killed in China fireworks shop explosion during Lunar New Year celebrations

A Fatal Explosion at a Fireworks Shop in China’s Hubei Province

At least 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in central China’s Hubei province on Wednesday afternoon, according to state media reports. The blast occurred at the shop in Xiangyang and emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire.

The victims included five children and seven adults who had been purchasing fireworks for Lunar New Year celebrations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion but have not released further details.

This incident marks the second deadly blast linked to fireworks during the holiday season, following a separate explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province on Sunday that killed eight people and injured two. In response, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has issued renewed safety warnings, urging regional governments to strengthen oversight of the industry.

The ministry has instructed all regions to learn from the recent incidents and tighten supervision, stressing the need to “resolutely prevent” similar accidents. Officials have also called for comprehensive risk assessments and heightened vigilance during the holiday period.

Fireworks remain a popular part of Lunar New Year traditions in China, where families set them off to usher in prosperity and ward off misfortune. However, their widespread use has led to repeated safety incidents. Some local governments have previously imposed restrictions or bans on fireworks due to air quality and safety concerns, while others have eased blanket bans in favor of regulated use.

The incident is under investigation, and officials are working to determine the cause of the explosion.

Source: Al Jazeera