A deadly explosion at a fireworks retail store in central China's Hubei Province claimed 12 lives on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in Zhengji Town, Xiangyang City, affecting an area of approximately 50 square meters.
Emergency responders extinguished open flames by 3:30 p.m., with 12 fatalities confirmed at the scene. Investigations into the cause of the blast are ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols in hazardous material storage and sales.
This tragedy highlights renewed concerns about industrial safety standards in high-risk sectors across Asia, particularly as regional economies accelerate post-pandemic recovery efforts. Analysts suggest the incident may prompt stricter regulatory reviews ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in 2027.
