A second fireworks shop explosion in China has resulted in 12 deaths amid the atmosphere of Chinese New Year celebrations.
China's state news agency CCTV reported that an explosion occurred at a fireworks store in central China last Wednesday (18 Feb), the second day of the Chinese New Year festival, causing at least 12 fatalities.
Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is a customary practice during Chinese celebrations, especially during the Chinese New Year festival, which began this year on the preceding Tuesday.
Although major cities including Beijing have banned fireworks in recent years due to pollution concerns, smaller towns and rural areas remain filled with continuous firecracker and fireworks noise throughout the holiday period.
CCTV cited local authorities reporting that around 2:00 p.m. on 18 February, a fire and explosion broke out at a fireworks and firecracker shop in Zhengji Township, Hubei Province. The fire covered about 50 square meters and resulted in 12 deaths. The cause is currently under investigation.
This is the second fireworks shop explosion in China in recent days. On Sunday (15 Feb), an explosion at a fireworks store in Jiangsu Province in eastern China killed 8 people and injured 2 others.
Following these incidents, the Ministry of Emergency Management has urged fireworks businesses nationwide to strengthen oversight and conduct thorough safety inspections.
The ministry also warned the public to avoid unsafe behaviors, such as experimenting with fireworks or smoking near shops.
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Source:cna