BEIJING — Twelve people were killed Wednesday when a firecracker store exploded and caught fire in Xiangyang, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The cause of the blast is under investigation.
Video footage verified by Reuters showed black smoke billowing from the charred low-rise shop front.
Context
Explosions related to pyrotechnics are relatively common in China, especially during the Lunar New Year holiday, which began Tuesday. Firecrackers are widely used in celebrations but can be deployed indiscriminately, leading to frequent accidents.
In June 2025, a similar incident at a fireworks factory in neighboring Hunan province killed nine people and injured 26 others.
Some Chinese cities have imposed restrictions on fireworks due to safety and air pollution concerns, but the tradition remains culturally significant as firecrackers are believed to ward off evil spirits during Lunar New Year festivities.
