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A deadly explosion ripped through a fireworks shop in central China on Wednesday, killing 12 people during the height of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The blast occurred around 2:00 PM in Zhengji town, located in Hubei province, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The resulting fire reportedly consumed an area of approximately 50 square metres, turning a festive holiday afternoon into a scene of devastation.
The tragedy took place on the second day of the Lunar New Year, a period when setting off firecrackers and “missile” fireworks is a deeply rooted tradition believed to ward off evil spirits.
While major metropolitan hubs like Beijing have implemented strict bans on pyrotechnics to combat air pollution and fire risks, rural areas and smaller towns remain filled with the sights and sounds of explosives throughout the holiday week.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the Hubei blast.
This incident is the latest in a string of fatal industrial and holiday-related accidents that have plagued China in recent weeks.
Just last Sunday, a similar explosion at a shop in Jiangsu province claimed eight lives, prompting the Ministry of Emergency Management to demand a “full inspection” of safety risks across the entire fireworks industry.
The ministry has also issued urgent public warnings against dangerous behaviours, such as smoking near shops or unauthorised test-firing of pyrotechnics.
The high death toll underscores persistent concerns regarding lax safety standards and the inherent dangers of the fireworks trade during peak demand.
This month alone, China has seen multiple industrial disasters, including fatal explosions at a biotech facility and a steel factory.
As the country continues its week-long holiday, the government is under increasing pressure to enforce stricter oversight to prevent further loss of life during what is meant to be a season of joy and family reunions.
