Fireworks shop explosion kills 12 in China’s Xiangyang, second deadly blast in days

12 people were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks shop in Xiangyang on Wednesday, marking the second such deadly incident in China within days during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The blast occurred around 2 pm local time in Zhengji town, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area.

According to a Chinese news agency, the explosion affected an area spanning nearly 50 square metres. Thick smoke and flames engulfed the site, prompting panic among residents. Emergency services rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control within approximately 2 hours. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation. Officials confirmed that rescue and relief operations were carried out immediately after the incident to prevent further casualties.

The blast follows another fire-related incident reported on Sunday in Jiangsu province, where a fireworks shop explosion killed eight people and injured two others. Amid repeated incidents, the Chinese government has warned that fireworks remain one of the biggest safety risks during the Spring Festival period.