Fireworks shop blast kills 12 in China, 2nd such case amid New Year celebrations
India Today
The explosion occurred on the second day of Chinese New Year celebrations, when firecrackers and fireworks are widely used across China.
An explosion at a fireworks shop in central China killed 12 people on Wednesday, state broadcaster CCTV reported. This was the second deadly blast at a fireworks store amid Chinese New Year celebrations, when firecrackers and fireworks are widely used across China.
"At approximately 2pm on the 18th, there was a fire and explosion at a firework and firecracker shop in Zhengji town" in Hubei province, CCTV said, citing local authorities.
According to the broadcaster, the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly set off during holiday celebrations in China, particularly around the Lunar New Year, which began on 17 February this year. Although many large cities, including Beijing, have banned private fireworks use in recent years -- partly due to air pollution concerns -- smaller towns and rural areas often experience days of sustained firecracker activity during the festive period.
Eight people were killed, and two others suffered minor burns after an explosion and fire at a fireworks store in a village in Donghai county, authorities said. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, shortly before Lunar New Year celebrations began.
Local officials said the blast was triggered by a resident improperly setting off fireworks near the shop, though further details were not immediately released.
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