An explosion at a fireworks factory in central China resulted in nine fatalities and 26 injuries on Monday morning, June 16, 2025, as reported by Chinese state media. The incident occurred around 8:23 a.m. local time at the Shanzhou Fireworks Co. facility in Linli County, near Changde, Hunan Province.
By Tuesday morning, June 17, the on-site rescue headquarters confirmed the number of casualties, while search and rescue efforts continued. The factory’s location in a mountainous region has significantly complicated emergency response operations.
Rescue teams deployed 28 water tankers and two drainage vehicles to control the fire. Challenges arose due to the remote location and lack of nearby water sources. Firefighters identified secondary hazards and potential for additional explosions, leading them to use remote-controlled water cannons for safety. State media video footage showed a large smoke plume following the explosion.
Emergency workers operated for over 20 hours to contain the fire and prevent further incidents. The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a team to Hunan Province to supervise the rescue efforts and investigation. High-powered pumps established a remote water supply, forming two water cannon stations to manage the fire.
The Hunan provincial government has launched an in-depth investigation into the explosion, forming a team to ascertain its cause. Authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable. The State Council Work Safety Committee will oversee the investigation.
Local authorities are conducting extensive search and rescue operations while providing medical treatment for the injured and support for victims’ families. The ministry stressed the importance of quickly identifying all affected individuals and preventing further accidents. Officials stated, “Efforts must be made to ascertain the cause of the explosion as soon as possible.”
This incident is the latest in a series of industrial accidents that have raised concerns about workplace safety in China. Last month, a chemical plant explosion in Weifang, Shandong Province, resulted in five deaths and 19 injuries. In April, a fire in a restaurant in Liaoyang killed 22 people.
Industrial accidents are a recurring issue in China, often linked to inadequate safety standards and regulations. Recent major incidents include a 2019 chemical plant fire in Jiangsu Province that killed 44 people and a 2018 accident in Zhangjiakou with 22 fatalities.
A significant industrial accident in 2015 involved explosions at warehouses with flammable chemicals in Tianjin, resulting in over 170 deaths. These events highlight the need for improved safety protocols and regulatory oversight in China’s industrial sector.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has urged authorities to identify all affected individuals and prevent additional accidents comprehensively. Treatment of the injured continues, while officials manage the aftermath for the deceased and provide support to affected families.
Fireworks production involves handling explosive materials, making such facilities prone to accidents if safety measures are not followed rigorously. The mountainous location of the Shanzhou facility complicated emergency response logistics, requiring teams to transport water and equipment to the remote site.
This explosion in Hunan Province highlights ongoing challenges with industrial safety oversight in China, particularly in facilities handling hazardous materials. The remote location and specialized nature of fireworks manufacturing added complexity to emergency response efforts.
