Death toll from fireworks factory explosion in China rises to 21

The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in China’s Hunan province has risen to 21.

A total of 61 people sustained injuries of varying severity, China Central Television reported.

According to reports, five rescue teams are currently operating at the scene in the city of Liuyang. In total, 482 specialists have been mobilised to deal with the aftermath.

The blast wave from the powerful detonation damaged buildings within a radius of 300–400 metres. Emergency services and firefighting units continue to work at the site.

Two warehouses containing gunpowder on the premises still pose a high risk. Specialists have established a one-kilometre core operation zone and a three-kilometre control zone.

In response to the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered tighter safety measures at industrial facilities across the country.

The explosion occurred on May 4 at 16:43 Beijing time.

By Vugar Khalilov