A massive explosion ripped through the Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks factory in Hunan Province, China on Monday at 4:43 PM local time, killing at least 26 people and injuring 61 others.
Emergency services deployed 482 rescue personnel to the scene, while surrounding areas were evacuated due to the risk of further explosions at the factory’s warehouses. Three robots were also used to assist in search and rescue operations.
In a shocking revelation, local authorities initially attempted to conceal the true death toll, reporting only 7 deaths, the real figure was uncovered only after an investigation by “- nan’s provincial government.
President Xi Jinping responded swiftly, ordering
“all-out efforts” to find those still missing and stating that “those responsible must be held accountable.” Police have already taken the company’s management into custody.
The number of missing persons remains unknown as investigations continue.