An explosion at a fireworks store in Hubei province, China, on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, as reported by state media. This incident marks the second explosion of its kind during the Lunar New Year festivities in the country.
According to the official Xinhua News Agency, emergency services extinguished the fire at the fireworks shop located in Xiangyang on Wednesday afternoon. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the explosion, although the report did not provide additional details.
Fireworks play a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations across China, but their usage has also led to numerous accidents.
Previously, on Sunday, another explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province resulted in eight fatalities and two injuries. Reports indicated that a local resident had ignited fireworks near the establishment.
The central government issued a cautionary statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the hazards associated with fireworks, stating that “fireworks remain the greatest risks during the Spring Festival period,” according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.