Fireworks blast toll rises to 37

Field of ash: An aerial drone photo showing the explosion site of a fireworks plant in Liuyang, central China’s Hunan Province. The fireworks plant explosion left 37 people dead and dozens injured, authorities said. More than 480 rescuers in five teams have been mobilised as part of rescue efforts. — Xinhua

The death toll has risen to 37, and one person remains missing after a fireworks factory explosion in the southern province of Hunan, Xinhua reported, in the deadliest blast reported in China since 2019.

The explosion happened at around 4.40pm local time on Monday in Hunan’s Liuyang, known as China’s fireworks capital because it manufactures 60% of the domestic supply of the devices and about 70% of exports.

Xinhua said on-site research and rescue work has been completed, and 51 people are being treated at hospitals.

An investigation into the incident is underway. — Reuters