An explosion at a fireworks shop in central China killed 12 people on Wednesday, state broadcaster CCTV reported. This was the second deadly blast at a fireworks store amid Chinese New Year celebrations, when firecrackers and fireworks are widely used across China.
“At approximately 2pm on the 18th, there was a fire and explosion at a firework and firecracker shop in Zhengji town” in Hubei province, CCTV said, citing local authorities.
According to the broadcaster, the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly set off during holiday celebrations in China, particularly around the Lunar New Year, which began on 17 February this year. Although many large cities, including Beijing, have banned private fireworks use in recent years — partly due to air pollution concerns — smaller towns and rural areas often experience days of sustained firecracker activity during the festive period.
SECOND FIREWORKS SHOP EXPLOSION IN DAYS
Eight people were killed, and two others suffered minor burns after an explosion and fire at a fireworks store in a village in Donghai county, authorities said. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, shortly before Lunar New Year celebrations began.
Local officials said the blast was triggered by a resident improperly setting off fireworks near the shop, though further details were not immediately released.
Following Sunday’s explosion in Jiangsu, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management urged authorities nationwide to strengthen oversight of the production, transportation, sale and use of fireworks to prevent further accidents.
A ministry statement said that trying out fireworks and firecrackers near retail outlets must be strictly prohibited and called on local governments to identify and eliminate regulatory blind spots “to ensure the people have a safe, auspicious and happy Spring Festival.”
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the start of a new year in the Chinese calendar and is one of China’s busiest periods for travel and celebrations.
With inputs from agencies
