An explosion occurred on Monday June 16, 2025 at the Shanzhou Fireworks Co. plant in Linli County, Hunan Province about 60 km north of Changde. The blast, which happened around 8:23 a.m. local time, tragically killed nine people and injured 26 others.

According to reports, emergency responders faced considerable challenges due to the factory’s remote, mountainous location and lack of nearby water sources. Firefighters battled on-site with remote-controlled water cannons, 28 tankers, and high-pressure pump trucks. The blaze was eventually contained after more than 20 continuous hours of firefighting.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the Ministry of Emergency Management had sent a working team to Hunan to oversee the rescue.

“Efforts must be made to ascertain the cause of the explosion as soon as possible and to hold those responsible accountable,” the ministry said.

Rescue teams are still combing through the debris as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the explosion.