26 dead & 61 injured in China fireworks factory explosion, Xi Jinping calls for thorough investigation

26 people have died, and 61 others were left injured after an explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Changsha, Hunan province, on the afternoon of May 4.

According to China Daily, the blast happened at around 4:40pm at Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co.

The BBC reported that the explosion forced Chinese authorities to evacuate everyone within a 3km radius of the plant.

More than 1,500 emergency responders, along with dogs, drones and robots, were deployed, rescuing seven people trapped under debris, reported the BBC.

China president Xi Jinping has called for proper handling of the aftermath and a prompt investigation into the incident, reported Xinhua.

Search and rescue efforts concluded

Emergency and fire rescue teams were deployed to the scene shortly after the explosion.

Five rescue teams, totalling 482 personnel, were dispatched for emergency operations and search efforts, reported China Daily.

The first round of search operations confirmed 21 deaths and 61 injuries, with the death toll having risen to 26 following the second round of searches.

Local authorities said on May 5 that the search and rescue operation had concluded, reported China Daily.

Rescuers implementing measures to prevent secondary accidents

According to the BBC, Chinese police are investigating the cause of the blast and have taken measures against the staff in charge of the fireworks company.

Two gunpowder warehouses within the factory area posed a high risk amid rescue efforts, authorities said.

Rescuers also humidified the area to prevent secondary accidents from occurring during the rescue.

A CCTV reporter noted that the blast shattered the windows of nearby residential buildings, reported the BBC.