Explosion at fireworks factory in China kills at least 26
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan province, China, on Monday afternoon killed at least 26 people and injured 61. The blast, which occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. plant, involved a large quantity of products catching fire and continuous explosions due to stored gunpowder. Rescue efforts were hampered by collapsed structures and blocked routes. In response, all fireworks manufacturers in Liuyang have been ordered to halt production. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, and the person in charge of the company has been detained. President Xi Jinping has called for thorough searches for missing individuals, care for the injured, and a swift investigation into the cause and accountability.