An explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has claimed the lives of nine people and injured 26 others, state media reported on Tuesday.
The blast occurred shortly before 8:30 am on Monday at a factory located in a village near Changde, a city in Hunan province, according to China National Radio (CNR).
BREAKING: Multiple casualties feared after massive explosion that took place at a fireworks factory in Linli County, Hunan Province, China pic.twitter.com/hvfV6zYK0D
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As of 9:00 am on Tuesday, nine fatalities and 26 injuries had been confirmed, with ongoing rescue operations at the scene.
The situation remained "complicated," with additional explosions feared to hinder the rescue efforts. The factory's location in a mountainous area, with no large water source nearby, further compounded the difficulties faced by emergency responders.
Despite the challenges, rescue teams have been working continuously for over 20 hours, using remote-controlled water cannons to extinguish the fire.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a team to oversee the operation in Hunan and is focused on determining the cause of the explosion and holding those responsible accountable.
Industrial accidents remain a significant concern in China, often attributed to unclear regulations and insufficient safety standards.
In a similar incident last month, an explosion at a chemical plant in Shandong province killed at least five people.
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