At least 21 people have been killed and 61 others injured following a powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in central China, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
The blast occurred at approximately 4:43 p.m. on Monday at the Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company, located in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China.
State broadcaster CCTV confirmed the casualties, noting that emergency responders were deployed to the scene shortly after the explosion.
Authorities have yet to provide details on the cause of the incident, while rescue and investigation efforts are ongoing.
Fireworks-related accidents are not uncommon in China, where the industry is widespread despite increasing safety regulations in recent years.
