China: Eight dead in fireworks explosion
An explosion at a fireworks shop in eastern China killed eight people and injured two others, authorities said Sunday night.
Outside of large urban centers, where the use of pyrotechnics is strictly controlled, residents often set off many fireworks at important events or celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in China tomorrow, Tuesday.
"Mishandling" of fireworks by someone or people caused an explosion at a nearby store in Jiangsu province at around 14:30 p.m. (local time; 08:30 a.m. GMT) on Sunday, authorities said in a statement posted on social media.
The fire that broke out due to the explosion was completely extinguished at around 16:00 (local time; 10:00 Greek time), according to the announcement, which specified that eight people lost their lives and two others were slightly injured.
An investigation is underway into the causes and company executives have been taken into custody.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, China is entering the most intense period for fireworks, the Lunar New Year holiday.
The ministry said it had sent a warning message to all fireworks manufacturers in the country, demanding a "full inspection" to ensure safety. Industrial accidents are common in the country, due to the sometimes lax enforcement of safety rules.
In 2025, an explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan (southeast) killed nine people and injured 26 others. In 2023, fireworks killed three people in homes in Tianjin (northeast).
Source: protothema.gr
