12 killed in Hubei, China, including 5 children, after firecracker store explodes & catches fire during CNY

12 people died during Chinese New Year on Feb. 18, 2026, including five children, after a firecracker store in China's Hubei province exploded and caught fire.

The incident occurred at an unnamed store in the central Chinese city of Xiangyang, Reuters reported, adding that it caused 50 square metres of the shop's premises to be burned.

Footage on Northeast Live's YouTube channel showed smoke billowing from the store as firefighters put out the blaze.

Children, adults die

The explosion saw five children and seven adults killed, Al Jazeera reported.

According to chinadaily.com.cn, they were identified as the store owner, Lin, as well as 11 customers — three visiting from Chengdu, Sichuan province, four from Zhongxiang city, Hubei province, and four local residents.

Their families have since been informed of their deaths, chinadaily.com.cn reported, adding that efforts are being made to address their difficulties.

Investigation

Following the explosion, authorities have launched an investigation but have yet to release further information, according to Al Jazeera.

This comes after China's Ministry of Emergency Management had previously issued renewed safety warnings, with officials calling for comprehensive risk assessments and heightened vigilance during the holiday.

Al Jazeera reported that a separate explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province killed eight people and injured two on Feb. 15, 2026 after a resident reportedly ignited fireworks near the building.

Top photos via Northeast Live/YouTube