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China Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills Eight

Published February 16, 2026, 09:15
China Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills Eight

An explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province, eastern China, has resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to two others. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm local time (8:30 am Greece time) and was caused by "improper handling" of fireworks, according to authorities. The fire that followed the explosion was extinguished approximately two hours later. An investigation has been launched, and company officials have been detained. China is currently in its peak period for fireworks usage due to the Lunar New Year celebrations. The Ministry of Emergency Management has issued a warning to all fireworks manufacturers, requiring a full inspection to ensure safety. Industrial accidents are common in China, often due to lax enforcement of safety regulations. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as an explosion at a fireworks workshop in Hunan in 2025 that resulted in nine deaths and 26 injuries, as well as an incident in Tianjin in 2023 with three fatalities. The use of fireworks outside major urban centers is common during significant events and celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year, despite strict regulations.