Fireworks Factory Explosion in China: 21 Dead and 61 Injured in Hunan

At least 21 people were killed, and 61 others were injured in an explosion that occurred early Tuesday at a fireworks factory in Liuyang City, Hunan Province, central China, according to the Xinhua News Agency (Xinhua).

Urgent Presidential Directives

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "maximum efforts to search for the missing and rescue the injured". He also issued directives to strengthen risk monitoring and control of hazard sources in key sectors, and to tighten public safety management to protect people's lives and property.

Xi emphasized "the need to properly handle the aftermath of the incident, conduct a swift investigation into its causes, and hold those responsible accountable".

Immediate Government Measures

For his part, Premier Li Qiang called for intensifying efforts to enhance occupational safety in key sectors and industries, and resolutely preventing major accidents.

The Ministry of Emergency Management sent a team to Liuyang to guide rescue and relief operations. Local rescue teams also rushed to the accident site to treat the injured and carry out field response efforts, which are still ongoing.