A powerful explosion tore through a fireworks shop in central China on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people as the country celebrated the Lunar New Year holiday. The blast, which occurred in Zhengji town in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, shook the local community and raised fresh concerns about fireworks safety during the festive period.
Authorities and emergency responders rushed to the scene after the explosion struck at around 2 p.m. local time. The fire spread across around 50 square metres before firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control by approximately 3:30 p.m.
Explosion Occurs Amid Lunar New Year Celebrations
China’s Lunar New Year — one of the country’s most significant holidays — traditionally involves extensive fireworks displays as families and communities mark the occasion with loud, colourful pyrotechnics. However, the very tools meant to bring joy have now caused tragedy in multiple locations.
Officials have not yet confirmed what sparked the explosion at the Hubei fireworks shop. Local authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the cause, and safety experts are expected to review storage and selling practices for explosive products across the region.
China Lunar New Year Tragedy: Second Deadly Fireworks Blast in Days
This deadly incident comes just days after another fireworks shop explosion in eastern Jiangsu Province, where eight people were killed, and two were injured on Sunday. That blast occurred in a village setting, and authorities said improper fireworks handling triggered the detonation.
Following the Jiangsu explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Management warned local governments and businesses to tighten controls on fireworks production, storage, sales, and use. Officials emphasised that “fireworks are still the biggest risks during the Spring Festival period,” noting that lax safety practices can quickly turn deadly.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
After the Hubei blast, police, firefighters, and medical teams arrived at the site to extinguish flames and search for victims. By late afternoon, rescue operations had concluded, and authorities reported 12 bodies found in the rubble.
Investigators have yet to release an official cause for the explosion. China’s Central Government generally conducts thorough post-accident reviews in such cases, with an emphasis on workplace and public safety protocols. Experts expect the probe to focus on whether flammable materials were stored or handled improperly at the retail outlet.
Fireworks Safety Concerns During Spring Festival
The back-to-back explosions have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fireworks regulations across China. While many major cities have banned consumer fireworks in recent years to reduce air pollution, rural and smaller urban areas still often allow fireworks sales and use during festive occasions.
Public safety advocates have urged local authorities to increase inspections of fireworks shops and educate communities on the risks associated with explosive materials. The government’s emergency management body has encouraged citizens to avoid setting off or testing fireworks near storage facilities to prevent similar tragedies.
The loss of life in these recent blasts has struck a somber chord during what is usually one of China’s happiest annual celebrations. Families, neighbours, and first responders in both Hubei and Jiangsu provinces are now dealing with grief and shock as investigations continue and authorities work to prevent future accidents.
As China continues festive activities, the government’s emphasis on safety protocols and public awareness could play a key role in reducing similar incidents in the weeks ahead.
