Explosion at China Fireworks Factory Kills 21, Injures 61

An explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province killed 21 people and injured 61 others, state media reported.

The blast occurred at the Changsha Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks plant around 16:40 local time (08:40 GMT) on Monday in the city of Liuyang. Rescuers evacuated everyone within a 3 km (1.9 mile) radius of the plant.

Authorities sent nearly 500 personnel for search and rescue operations and to treat the injured. Robots assisted in locating those trapped inside the building.

Police are investigating the cause of the explosion. They have taken "control measures" against the person in charge of the fireworks company, Chinese state media reported.

Two gunpowder warehouses in the factory area presented high risks during the rescue efforts, authorities said.

Rescue teams humidified the area to prevent secondary accidents. The force of the blast shattered windows in a nearby residential building, a CCTV reporter said in a broadcast from the scene.

President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to search for missing people and treat the injured. He also urged an investigation to hold those responsible accountable, state media reported.