Blast at fireworks factory in China’s Hunan kills 21, Xi calls for probe, state media says

HONG KONG, May 5 (Reuters) – An explosion at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for a full investigation, state media reported on Tuesday.

The explosion in Changsha, the capital of Hunan, which is home to a fireworks manufacturing center, occurred around 4:40 p.m. (0840 GMT) on Monday, according to reports from CCTV and Xinhua.

Videos posted on Chinese internet platforms showed thick smoke billowing from a large “site with collapsed buildings” and debris strewn across the area. Reuters was unable to verify the images.

Nearly 500 firefighters, rescuers and medical personnel responded to the scene, according to the South China Morning Post.

The explosion occurred at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company, media reports said. Reuters was unable to find a telephone listing for the company to seek comment.

Xi called for a speedy investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and strict accountability for the incident, Xinhua reported.

Last year, China exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks, more than two-thirds of global sales, according to data from the Economic Complexity Observatory.

Xi also ordered authorities to strengthen risk screening and control in key industries, improve public safety and ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.

Xi often gives “important instructions” to local authorities after major accidents and disasters resulting in deaths. Last week, he called for a nationwide improvement in China’s disaster response capacity.

Xi also gave instructions after a fire in Hong Kong in November at the Wang Fuk court complex that killed 168 people.

(Reporting by Clare Jim; editing by Christian Schmollinger, Himani Sarkar and Neil Fullick)