An explosion occurred at a fireworks store in Hubei province, China, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, as reported by state media. This incident, which marks the second explosion during the Lunar New Year festivities in the country, was swiftly addressed by emergency responders who successfully extinguished the fire at the shop in Xiangyang on Wednesday afternoon, as per the official Xinhua News Agency. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Fireworks play a significant role in the Lunar New Year celebrations in China, yet they have also been associated with various accidents. Just a few days ago, a separate incident at a fireworks store in Jiangsu province claimed the lives of eight individuals and left two others injured. According to reports, the accident was triggered by a local resident setting off fireworks in close proximity to the shop.
In response to these incidents, the central government issued a cautionary statement on Tuesday, highlighting the risks associated with fireworks during the Spring Festival period. The Ministry of Emergency Management emphasized that fireworks remain a major safety concern during this festive season.