In China, a man set off fireworks near a pyrotechnics store: eight people died, two more were injured

An explosion and fire broke out at a fireworks shop in eastern China’s Jiangsu province after a local resident lit fireworks next to the building, killing eight people and injuring two others.

This is reported by CBS News.

According to the Donghai County government, the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon in a village in the region on the eve of the Lunar New Year. According to preliminary information, the cause of the incident was the use of fireworks near a pyrotechnics store.

After the tragedy, China’s Ministry of Emergency Situations called on local authorities to strengthen control over the production, transportation, sale and use of fireworks.

“Testing fireworks and firecrackers near shops should be strictly prohibited,” the department said in a statement.

The message also emphasizes the need to identify and eliminate “blind spots” to ensure a safe celebration of the Spring Festival.

Setting off fireworks during the Lunar New Year is a tradition in China. However, in recent years, some regions of the country have partially restricted the use of pyrotechnics due to air pollution concerns. In 2026, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on February 17.

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