An explosion at a fireworks shop in central China claimed the lives of 12 people on Wednesday, according to state broadcaster CCTV, marking the second fatal incident involving fireworks stores during the ongoing Chinese New Year festivities. The blast occurred at a time when firecrackers and fireworks are extensively used across the country as part of traditional celebrations, raising renewed concerns over safety during the holiday period.
Authorities said the explosion took place at around 2 pm on February 18 at a fireworks and firecracker shop located in Zhengji town in Hubei province. Emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of a fire that quickly escalated into a powerful explosion. Officials confirmed multiple casualties, while investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The accident comes during the Lunar New Year celebrations, which began on February 17 and are widely marked by the lighting of fireworks believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. While several major cities, including Beijing, have imposed restrictions or outright bans on private fireworks usage due to safety and air pollution concerns, smaller towns and rural regions continue to witness heavy and prolonged firecracker activity throughout the festive period.
The Hubei incident follows another deadly explosion earlier in the week at a fireworks store in a village in Donghai county, where eight people were killed and two others sustained minor burn injuries. Local authorities indicated that the earlier blast may have been triggered after a resident improperly ignited fireworks close to the shop, though a detailed investigation is still ongoing.
In response to the back-to-back accidents, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has urged local administrations across the country to tighten supervision over the manufacturing, storage, transportation and sale of fireworks. The ministry emphasised that testing or setting off fireworks near retail outlets must be strictly prohibited and called for immediate action to close regulatory gaps that could lead to further tragedies.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, represents one of the most significant cultural occasions in China, marked by large gatherings, travel and traditional festivities. However, the recent explosions have underscored the risks associated with widespread fireworks use, prompting authorities to reinforce safety measures to ensure celebrations remain secure.
