At 4:40 PM local time on May 4, 2026, an explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, China, sending a mushroom cloud into the air. The explosion also ignited a wildfire, which has since been extinguished.
The Hunan provincial government initially attempted to conceal the incident, reporting only one death, but under pressure from Xi Jinping, it finally released the full death toll.
Following the accident, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attached great importance to the incident and issued important instructions, pointing out that an explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Liuyang City, Changsha, Hunan Province, causing significant casualties. He stressed the need to expedite the search for missing persons, make every effort to treat the injured, and properly handle the aftermath. He also emphasized the need to investigate the cause of the accident as soon as possible and hold those responsible accountable.
Xi Jinping emphasized that all regions and relevant departments must learn profound lessons from this incident, closely monitor and implement safety production responsibilities, thoroughly investigate and rectify risks and hidden dangers in key industries and sectors, strengthen public safety management, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
Li Qiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, issued instructions, pointing out that it is necessary to quickly verify the number of casualties, make every effort to treat the injured, scientifically organize search and rescue operations, strictly prevent secondary disasters, and properly handle the aftermath. At the same time, the cause of the accident should be investigated as soon as possible, and it should be dealt with seriously according to law and regulations. Currently, it is the Labor Day holiday, and the State Council's Safety Production Committee Office should urge all localities to learn from this lesson, further strengthen safety production work in key industries and sectors, and strictly prevent the occurrence of major and serious accidents.
In accordance with Xi Jinping's important instructions and Li Qiang's requirements, the Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a working group to the scene for guidance. Hunan Province has organized forces to do its utmost to treat the injured and handle the on-site situation. Currently, all work is underway.
The Hunan provincial government initially attempted to conceal the incident, reporting only one death, but under pressure from Xi Jinping, it finally released the full death toll.
Following the accident, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attached great importance to the incident and issued important instructions, pointing out that an explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Liuyang City, Changsha, Hunan Province, causing significant casualties. He stressed the need to expedite the search for missing persons, make every effort to treat the injured, and properly handle the aftermath. He also emphasized the need to investigate the cause of the accident as soon as possible and hold those responsible accountable.
Xi Jinping emphasized that all regions and relevant departments must learn profound lessons from this incident, closely monitor and implement safety production responsibilities, thoroughly investigate and rectify risks and hidden dangers in key industries and sectors, strengthen public safety management, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
Li Qiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, issued instructions, pointing out that it is necessary to quickly verify the number of casualties, make every effort to treat the injured, scientifically organize search and rescue operations, strictly prevent secondary disasters, and properly handle the aftermath. At the same time, the cause of the accident should be investigated as soon as possible, and it should be dealt with seriously according to law and regulations. Currently, it is the Labor Day holiday, and the State Council's Safety Production Committee Office should urge all localities to learn from this lesson, further strengthen safety production work in key industries and sectors, and strictly prevent the occurrence of major and serious accidents.
In accordance with Xi Jinping's important instructions and Li Qiang's requirements, the Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a working group to the scene for guidance. Hunan Province has organized forces to do its utmost to treat the injured and handle the on-site situation. Currently, all work is underway.
