Fireworks Explosion in Central China Kills 12, Including Five Children

Hubei. An explosion in China amidst the New Year festivities has claimed 12 lives. The incident, which also killed five children, has once again raised questions about the safety of fireworks, which are widely used in rural areas during holidays.

According to state media, the explosion occurred on Wednesday afternoon at a general store selling fireworks and firecrackers in Jinpu village in the central Hubei province. State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) cited officials on Thursday, confirming 12 deaths following intensive search and rescue operations. It was reported that seven of the deceased were adults and five were minors.

All victims have reportedly been identified. According to the report, except for one person known as 'Mr. Lin,' the owner of the shop, the remaining 11 people were customers who had come to purchase fireworks. Three of the deceased customers had traveled approximately 780 kilometers from Chengdu to visit relatives.

The tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is extremely popular, especially in rural areas, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. However, due to safety and pollution control concerns, many major Chinese cities have banned their use in recent years. This practice, however, continues to be widespread in rural areas.

Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion. The recurring nature of such fatal incidents during holiday periods is becoming a matter of serious concern. Just last Sunday, an explosion at a fireworks shop in the eastern Jiangsu province resulted in eight deaths and two injuries.