5 youngsters among the many useless as authorities warn of ongoing vacation security dangers.
Revealed On 19 Feb 2026
An explosion at a fireworks store in central China’s Hubei province has killed a minimum of 12 folks, state media reported, marking the second lethal blast linked to fireworks because the nation celebrates the Lunar New Yr.
The explosion tore by the store in Xiangyang on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency crews extinguished the blaze quickly after, in accordance with the state-run Xinhua Information Company.
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Authorities have launched an investigation into the trigger however haven’t launched additional particulars.
Officers stated 5 youngsters and 7 adults died within the explosion. The victims included the store proprietor and prospects who had been shopping for fireworks for vacation celebrations. Some had travelled from different areas to go to kinfolk in the course of the festive interval.
Fireworks stay a longstanding a part of Lunar New Yr traditions throughout China, the place households set them off to usher in prosperity and keep at bay misfortune.
Nevertheless, their widespread use has additionally led to repeated security incidents.
On Sunday, one other explosion at a fireworks store in Jiangsu province killed eight folks and injured two. Native authorities stated a resident had ignited fireworks close to the constructing earlier than that blast.
Following the latest accidents, China’s Ministry of Emergency Administration issued renewed security warnings.
In a press release on Tuesday, the ministry stated that “fireworks are nonetheless the largest dangers in the course of the Spring Pageant interval,” and urged regional governments to strengthen oversight of the trade.
On Monday, the ministry instructed all areas to study from the Jiangsu incident and tighten supervision, stressing the necessity to “resolutely stop” comparable accidents. Officers additionally known as for complete danger assessments and heightened vigilance in the course of the vacation.
Many cities have beforehand imposed restrictions or outright bans on fireworks over air high quality and security issues. In recent times, nonetheless, some native governments have eased blanket bans in favour of regulated use.
