XIANGYANG, China: At least 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in Xiangyang on Wednesday, marking the second deadly blast linked to fireworks as the country celebrates the Lunar New Year, state media reported.
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According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, emergency crews extinguished the blaze shortly after it erupted in the afternoon. Authorities said the victims included five children and seven adults, among them the shop owner and customers purchasing fireworks for holiday celebrations. Some victims had travelled from other areas to visit relatives during the festive period.
Twelve killed in China fireworks shop blast during Lunar New Year https://t.co/hmslCN7OAH pic.twitter.com/08782bmMen
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Fireworks are a central part of Lunar New Year traditions across China, used to usher in prosperity and ward off misfortune. However, the widespread use of explosives has repeatedly led to fatal accidents. Just days earlier, a separate explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province killed eight people and injured two after a resident ignited fireworks near the building.
In response to the incidents, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management issued renewed safety warnings, highlighting that “fireworks are still the biggest risks during the Spring Festival period.” The ministry urged local governments to tighten supervision, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Over the years, many Chinese cities have imposed restrictions or outright bans on fireworks to reduce safety hazards and air pollution, although some regions have relaxed these measures under regulated conditions.
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Investigations into the cause of the Xiangyang explosion are ongoing, and authorities have yet to release further details. Rescue teams and local officials continue to assess the scene, while public safety campaigns have been reinforced across the country during the holiday season.