26 people died and more than 60 were injured in a horrific explosion in a firecracker factory located in Hunan province of China. The explosion was so severe that officials had to evacuate all the people living within a radius of three kilometers of the factory.

Quoting Chinese government media, BBC reported in its report that Huasheng Fireworks Plant is located in Liuyang, the southern city of Hunan province, where the rescue operation has ended after this terrible explosion that occurred in the afternoon on Monday (May 4, 2026). Authorities deployed more than 1,500 emergency personnel. Along with this, dogs, drones and robots were also used. At the same time, seven people trapped under the debris have been rescued.

Also read: ‘We do not want war, but…’, America gives open threat to Iran regarding Project Freedom

There were two gunpowder warehouses in the premises, creating problems in relief work.

According to the report, the police are investigating the cause of the explosion and control measures have been taken against the responsible employees of the company. Officials said that two warehouses filled with gunpowder present in the factory premises were posing a high risk during relief and rescue operations after the blast. Along with evacuating people nearby, rescue teams also took measures like keeping the area moist to prevent secondary accidents.

According to the report, the impact of the blast was so much that even the windows of a nearby residential building were broken. The age of the people injured in this explosion is between 20 to 60 years and many people have also suffered bone injuries due to being hit by the flying debris due to the explosion.

Make every possible effort to save the injured: Xi Jinping

At the same time, after this horrific explosion, Chinese President Xi Jinping has given instructions to make every possible effort to search for the missing people and save the injured. He has also said to investigate the accident seriously and take action against those responsible.

Also read: ‘We will be very happy if a woman is elected the next UN chief’, said China