At least 26 people were killed and 61 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in Hunan province, China, on May 5.
The blast occurred at a facility near the city of Changde, sending thick smoke into the air and damaging nearby buildings. Emergency crews and firefighters rushed to the scene as rescue operations continued through the night.
Chinese state media reported that several workers were trapped inside the factory following the explosion. Authorities later confirmed multiple casualties while hospitals in the area received dozens of injured victims, some suffering severe burns.
Local officials launched an investigation into the cause of the blast, though initial reports suggested the explosion may have been triggered during the handling of fireworks materials inside the facility.
Industrial accidents remain a recurring issue in China despite repeated government pledges to strengthen workplace safety regulations, particularly in factories handling hazardous chemicals and explosive materials.
