At least 26 people have died, and 61 people are injured after an explosion occurred at a fireworks plant in China. According to People, the tragic incident happened on Monday, May 4, at around 4:43pm local time. The incident happened in Liuyang, China.
Local outlets reported that the rescue efforts were continuing, although they were for the most part completed. "So far, the rescue is almost finished... And environmental indicators from real-time monitoring of air and water have been normal."
And the rescue effort was staggering. Around 500 rescuers, grouped into five teams, responded to the explosion. The rescue response also included help from robots, drones, and dogs. Rescuers even humidified the area with water cannons in order to "prevent secondary accidents during the rescue."
The ages of injured people varies: people in their 20s to people in their 60s suffered injuries such as broken bones from flying debris. But, the number of people found dead is likely to increase as rescuers conclude their efforts and begin clearing the rubble.
The scale of the explosion was so massive that buildings around the area had their windows shattered. And, as of Tuesday, May 5, there is still heavy smoke in the area from smoldering debris.
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The Chinese President Urged People to Save the Injured From the Explosion Debris
The explosion has prompted a pretty big response from authorities. The plant manager has been detained, as the buildings still remain collapsed.
As well as this, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for the injured to be saved on social media. A post on X by a page controlled by the Chinese Communist Party stated, "President Xi Jinping has urged all-out effors to search for people who are still unaccounted for and save the injured after an explosion at a fireworks plant,"
The post continued, "Xi made an instruction ordering strengthened risk screening and hazard control in key sectors, enhanced public safety management, and efforts to safeguard people's lives and property. Xi demanded proper handling of the aftermath and a prompt investigation into the accident... Stressing that those responsible must be held accountable."
This is an absolutely tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families.
