Twelve Dead in Hubei Firework Blast During Lunar New Year
Twelve people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in central China’s Hubei province on Wednesday, marking the second deadly incident involving fireworks during the current Lunar New Year holiday period.
The blast occurred shortly before 2:30 pm in Zhengji township, located in the city of Xiangyang. According to official reports, the explosion triggered a fire that spread across the premises. Emergency crews responded quickly and were able to extinguish the flames within about an hour.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll at 12 and said an investigation into the cause of the explosion is under way. Initial details about the victims have not been fully disclosed, and officials have not yet announced whether any additional injuries were reported.
The incident comes only days after another fatal fireworks related explosion claimed eight lives in a neighboring province. The back to back accidents have raised fresh concerns over fire safety and regulatory enforcement during one of China’s most important traditional festivals.
Lunar New Year celebrations across the country are often accompanied by widespread use of fireworks and firecrackers, which are believed to ward off bad luck and usher in prosperity. Despite tighter regulations in many urban areas in recent years, fireworks remain popular in smaller cities and rural regions where enforcement can vary.
Safety experts note that fireworks storage and sales require strict compliance with fire prevention standards, including proper ventilation, distance from residential areas and limitations on stockpile volumes. Explosions can occur if products are improperly handled, exposed to heat sources or stored in conditions that increase the risk of ignition.
In recent years, authorities have introduced periodic crackdowns on illegal manufacturing and sales of fireworks, particularly ahead of major holidays. Campaigns typically focus on inspecting warehouses, retail shops and transportation channels to prevent unauthorized distribution. However, demand often surges in the days leading up to Lunar New Year, increasing pressure on supply chains.
Emergency response teams in Xiangyang were seen securing the site and assessing structural damage following the blast. Investigators are expected to examine storage conditions, licensing compliance and potential safety violations as part of their inquiry.
Public safety incidents during major holiday periods tend to draw heightened scrutiny, prompting local governments to review enforcement practices and safety awareness campaigns. Officials have urged residents to follow guidelines when purchasing and setting off fireworks and to avoid storing large quantities at home.
As the Lunar New Year travel and celebration season continues, authorities across multiple provinces are reinforcing inspection efforts in an attempt to prevent further accidents linked to fireworks and other hazardous materials.
