A deadly blast at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China resulted in nine fatalities and 26 injuries on Monday morning, June 16, 2025, as reported by Chinese state media. The explosion took place around 8:23 a.m. local time at the Shanzhou Fireworks Co. factory in Linli County, near Changde, Hunan Province.
The confirmed number of casualties was announced by the rescue headquarters on-site at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The factory’s mountainous location has significantly complicated emergency response efforts.
Rescue teams dispatched 28 water tankers and two drainage vehicles to tackle the fire, but faced difficulties due to the remote area and lack of a major nearby water source. Firefighters reported the presence of secondary hazards and potential for further explosions, which forced them to use remote-controlled water cannons to manage the flames from a safe distance. Video footage shared by state media depicted a large smoke plume rising after the explosion.
Emergency crews worked for over 20 hours to control the fire and avert further disasters. The Ministry of Emergency Management sent a team to Hunan Province to supervise the rescue efforts and investigation. High-powered pumps were used to establish a remote water supply, with two water cannon stations created to manage the fire and inhibit its spread.
The Hunan provincial government has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, forming a team to ascertain the cause. Authorities have stated that those responsible will be held accountable as per legal standards. The State Council Work Safety Committee will oversee the investigation.
Local officials are conducting extensive search and rescue operations, treating the injured, and supporting the families of the victims. The ministry emphasized the importance of promptly identifying all individuals affected by the explosion and preventing any further incidents. Officials stated, “Efforts must be made to ascertain the cause of the explosion as soon as possible.”
This incident is part of a pattern of industrial accidents that have raised concerns about workplace safety in China. Last month, a chemical plant explosion in Weifang, Shandong Province, resulted in at least five deaths and 19 injuries. In April, a fire at a restaurant in Liaoyang, Liaoning Province, killed at least 22 people.
Industrial accidents are a recurring issue in China, often linked to insufficient safety standards and vague regulations. Recent major disasters include a 2019 chemical plant fire in Jiangsu Province that claimed at least 44 lives, and a 2018 accident in Zhangjiakou that resulted in 22 fatalities.
One of the most severe industrial incidents occurred in 2015, with explosions at warehouses containing flammable chemicals in Tianjin, leading to over 170 deaths. These incidents highlight the need for enhanced safety protocols and stricter regulatory oversight in China’s industrial sector.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has urged relevant authorities to ensure all affected individuals are identified and additional accidents are prevented. Ongoing treatment is being provided for the injured, while authorities manage the aftermath for those deceased and offer support to affected families.
Fireworks manufacturing involves handling explosive materials and chemicals, making these facilities particularly prone to accidents if safety measures are not strictly enforced. The mountainous location of the Shanzhou facility added logistical challenges for emergency response teams, who had to transport water supplies and equipment to the remote site.
This explosion in Hunan Province underscores the ongoing challenges in industrial safety oversight within China’s manufacturing sector, particularly in facilities handling hazardous materials. The remote location and specialized nature of fireworks production posed additional difficulties for emergency responders attempting to control the situation and conduct rescue operations.
