Deadly explosion at China fireworks store claims eight lives

China’s Jiangsu Province – (Web Desk) – An explosion at a fireworks shop in eastern China’s Jiangsu province has claimed the lives of eight people and injured two others, authorities reported late Sunday.

The incident occurred around 2:30 pm local time in Donghai county after fireworks were improperly set off by villagers nearby. Rural communities in China often use sparklers and loud “missile” fireworks to mark holidays and special occasions, including the upcoming Lunar New Year on Tuesday.

An explosion and its resulting blaze at a fireworks retail store in Dong’an Village, Donghai County of east China’s Jiangsu Province, left eight people dead and two others with minor burns Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities of the county https://t.co/2z2t6JSv6k pic.twitter.com/5Yxd923gHo

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) February 15, 2026

Emergency teams, including fire, health, and public safety officials, quickly responded to the scene. The fire caused by the blast was brought under control by 4:00 pm. Local authorities confirmed eight fatalities, while two people sustained minor burns.

Investigations were being carried out and those responsible have been taken into custody.

The Ministry of Emergency Management said that China was entering the peak period for fireworks use during the Lunar New Year holiday, warning citizens against unsafe practices like test-firing or smoking outside of shops.

It added that it also sent a warning notice to fireworks enterprises nationwide “requiring a full inspection” of safety risks and hazards.

Industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards.

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An explosion at a biotech factory in northern China’s Shanxi province killed eight people this month.

And in late January, an explosion at a steel factory in the neighbouring province of Inner Mongolia left at least nine people dead.