An explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in central China's Hunan Province has claimed nine lives and left 26 injured, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Monday, with officials confirming casualties and launching an investigation into safety protocols on Tuesday.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the blast, which highlighted renewed concerns about industrial safety standards in high-risk sectors. Fireworks production remains a significant economic activity in Hunan, home to numerous manufacturers supplying domestic and international markets.
Authorities have initiated province-wide safety inspections while providing medical care to the injured. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in balancing industrial growth with workplace safety measures across Asia's manufacturing hubs.
