The incident happened on Sunday afternoon in Donghai county, Jiangsu province, just days before the Lunar New Year, a time when fireworks are widely used across China—especially in rural communities celebrating major holidays and family milestones.
Officials said the blast was triggered by the improper use of fireworks, possibly by villagers setting them off near the shop. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, quickly arrived at the scene to rescue victims and control the situation.
The fire caused by the explosion was put out within about two hours. Authorities confirmed that the injured suffered only minor burns, but the death toll reached eight.
An investigation is now underway, and those believed to be responsible have been taken into custody.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management also issued a nationwide warning, reminding citizens that the Lunar New Year is the peak season for fireworks use. They urged people to avoid unsafe behaviors like test-firing fireworks or smoking near stores. Fireworks companies have also been ordered to carry out full safety inspections.
This tragedy comes amid growing concern over industrial and workplace accidents in China, where safety standards are often criticized as being too weak. Similar deadly explosions have occurred recently in factories across the country.
Source: TRT WORLD
