Death toll rises to 37 in China fireworks factory explosion

The death toll from a fireworks factory explosion in central China’s Hunan province has risen to 37, while 51 others were injured, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

The explosion took place at around 4:43 pm local time on Monday in Liuyang City, widely known as China’s fireworks manufacturing hub.

Authorities said one person still remains missing following the blast.

Among the injured, five are in critical condition, although their vital signs are currently stable.

Police have detained eight individuals on suspicion of negligence in connection with the incident.

Following the explosion, local authorities deployed more than 1,500 personnel to carry out emergency response, rescue and recovery operations. Officials said search and rescue activities have now been largely completed.

Chinese authorities also ordered all fireworks factories across Hunan province to suspend production immediately for comprehensive safety inspections and overhauls.

Liuyang is considered the centre of China’s fireworks industry and is home to more than 400 fireworks manufacturing enterprises.

According to official data, the city’s annual fireworks production exceeded 50 billion yuan (approximately $7.3 billion) in 2025, accounting for nearly 70 percent of China’s total fireworks exports.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.