China Fireworks Blast: Liuyang Death Toll Hits 37

Deadly Explosion Rocks China's Fireworks Capital

The death toll from a catastrophic explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan province, has risen to 37, with one person still missing and 51 others injured, according to Chinese state media. The blast, which occurred on May 4, 2026, at approximately 16:43 local time at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. facility in Guandu Town, is the deadliest industrial accident in China's fireworks sector in recent years.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock, but officials confirmed on May 5 that the death toll had climbed from an initial 26 to 37 as more bodies were recovered from the rubble. The injured remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition. The explosion flattened factory buildings, shattered windows hundreds of meters away, and sent a massive mushroom cloud into the sky visible across the city.

Cause of the Explosion

According to CCTV footage reviewed by investigators, the explosion was triggered by an electrical fire originating from exposed wires that had been chewed by a red-hipped squirrel (Dremomys pyrrhomerus). A family of squirrels had burrowed into the walls of the workshop, gnawing through insulation and causing a short circuit. The resulting spark ignited black powder and other flammable materials stored in the facility, triggering a chain reaction of explosions.

The company's manager has been detained, and eight individuals have been summoned for questioning on suspicion of negligence. China's State Council has established a special investigation team, with Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing traveling to the site to oversee rescue and investigation efforts. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang issued instructions calling for all-out rescue operations, thorough investigations, and accountability for those responsible.

Liuyang: The World's Fireworks Capital

Liuyang, a county-level city under the administration of Changsha, is known as the "Hometown of Fireworks in China." The city produces approximately 60% of China's domestic fireworks supply and about 70% of its exports. In 2025, the industry's total output value reached 50.58 billion yuan ($7.4 billion). More than 300,000 people — over 20% of Liuyang's population — work in the fireworks sector.

The industry has deep cultural roots dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when Li Tian invented firecrackers in Liuyang around 621 AD. Today, Liuyang fireworks are featured at major global events, from the Beijing Olympics to the Qatar World Cup. However, the industry has also been plagued by safety issues. A previous fireworks factory explosion in Hunan in June 2025 killed nine people.

Similar to the 2025 Liuyang fireworks accident, this latest tragedy has raised serious questions about safety enforcement in the region.

Safety Violations and Regulatory Failures

Records show that Huasheng Fireworks received a fine in January 2026 for employees mishandling explosive substances and was ordered to conduct safety training. Despite these measures, the company continued operations with apparent safety gaps. The factory stored large quantities of black powder and other hazardous materials in close proximity to electrical wiring and combustible structures.

China's new fireworks safety regulations, which took effect on May 1, 2026 — just three days before the explosion — impose stricter limits on explosive content, noise levels, and chemical compositions. The regulations consolidate seven previous standards into a unified framework and ban certain high-risk products like double-bang firecrackers. However, critics argue that enforcement remains weak, particularly in smaller factories where cost-cutting often takes precedence over safety.

Experts in Chinese industrial safety regulations have long warned that the rapid growth of the fireworks industry has outpaced the government's ability to monitor and enforce compliance.

Immediate Aftermath and Industry Shutdown

In the wake of the disaster, authorities ordered all fireworks manufacturers in Liuyang to suspend operations indefinitely for comprehensive safety inspections. Mayor Dai Shuiwen announced that a city-wide rectification campaign would target irregular subcontracting, excessive production, and prohibited products. Wu Pinghui of Changsha's emergency management department stated that authorities will "crack down on illegal acts, shut down non-compliant entities, and publicly expose typical cases to ensure all violations are rectified."

Over 480 rescuers were dispatched to the scene, and a 3-kilometer control zone was established. Nearby residents were evacuated as secondary explosions continued to pose risks. Drone footage showed smoldering debris fields and buildings with roofs completely blown off. One local resident described the scene: "It was like a rain of glass. The shockwave threw me off my feet."

The economic impact is expected to be severe. Liuyang's fireworks industry supports an entire ecosystem of paper suppliers, logistics companies, and tourism. Weekend fireworks shows at the Liuyang Sky Theater have attracted over 7 million visitors since 2023, generating 20 billion yuan in local consumption. A prolonged shutdown could disrupt global fireworks supply chains, particularly ahead of major celebrations like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and various national holidays.

The global fireworks supply chain disruption could affect events worldwide, as Liuyang supplies a significant portion of the world's fireworks.

FAQ

What caused the Liuyang fireworks factory explosion?

According to CCTV footage, the explosion was caused by an electrical fire from exposed wires that had been chewed by a red-hipped squirrel. The spark ignited black powder and other flammable materials stored in the workshop.

How many people died in the 2026 Liuyang fireworks blast?

The death toll has reached 37, with one person still missing and 51 injured. It is the deadliest fireworks factory explosion in China since 2019.

What is Liuyang known for?

Liuyang is known as China's "Fireworks Capital," producing about 60% of China's fireworks and 70% of its exports. The industry dates back over 1,300 years and employs more than 300,000 people.

What new safety regulations took effect in China before the explosion?

China's strictest fireworks safety regulations took effect on May 1, 2026, consolidating seven standards into one, imposing stricter limits on explosive content and noise, and banning certain high-risk products.

What actions have Chinese authorities taken after the explosion?

Authorities detained the company's manager, summoned eight people for questioning, ordered all Liuyang fireworks factories to suspend operations for safety inspections, and launched a city-wide rectification campaign. The State Council has set up a special investigation team.

Sources

• Wikipedia: 2026 Liuyang fireworks factory explosion
• Associated Press: Death toll from China fireworks explosion rises to 37
• The Straits Times: Death toll rises to 37 in China fireworks factory blast
• China Daily: All fireworks production suspended in Liuyang after deadly blast
• Sixth Tone: China's strictest fireworks regulations take effect May 1