At least 12 people have been killed after a powerful explosion tore through a fireworks shop in central China during Lunar New Year celebrations.
The blast occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday in Zhengji town, Hubei Province, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The explosion triggered a fire that consumed roughly 50 square metres, turning a festive afternoon into a scene of devastation.
The incident happened on the second day of the Lunar New Year, a period when setting off firecrackers and high-powered fireworks is a longstanding tradition believed to ward off evil spirits.
While major cities such as Beijing have imposed strict bans on fireworks due to pollution and fire hazards, the use of pyrotechnics remains widespread in rural areas and smaller towns during the holiday period.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
The tragedy follows another fatal blast last Sunday at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu Province that claimed eight lives, prompting the Ministry of Emergency Management to order a nationwide safety inspection of the fireworks industry.
Officials have also warned the public against risky practices such as smoking near fireworks outlets or conducting unauthorised test firings.
The rising number of fatal incidents has renewed concerns about safety standards and regulatory enforcement in China’s fireworks sector, particularly during peak demand periods.
In recent weeks, the country has also recorded other industrial accidents, including deadly explosions at a biotech facility and a steel plant, intensifying pressure on authorities to strengthen oversight during the holiday season.
