Blast at fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province kills at least 26 people, state media says

A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province killed at least 26 people and injured 61, according to Chinese state media and official updates on Tuesday.

The explosion happened on Monday afternoon at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, a city known for fireworks production. Xinhua said the death toll rose from an earlier count of 21 as rescue crews continued searching the site.

Chinese authorities said the area was treated as a high-risk site because of stored black powder. Hundreds of responders, including robots and drones, were used in the rescue operation.

State media also said the head of the company was detained and that the cause of the blast is under investigation. Authorities ordered fireworks production in Liuyang to stop for safety inspections.

The State Council said it would send a team to probe the explosion. Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue efforts and a prompt investigation, according to state media.

The latest official figures may still change as recovery work continues, but the confirmed toll already makes the blast one of China's deadliest industrial accidents this year.