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China’s Top Prosecutor Takes Over Probe Into Deadly Fireworks Factory Blast

Published: May. 8, 2026  11:13 a.m.  GMT+8
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The scene of the fireworks explosion accident in Liuyang, Hunan on May 5, 2026. Photo: VCG
The scene of the fireworks explosion accident in Liuyang, Hunan on May 5, 2026. Photo: VCG

China’s top prosecuting authority has assumed direct oversight of the investigation into a fireworks factory explosion that killed 26 people and injured 61 in the central province of Hunan, uncovering a history of safety violations and falsified credentials.

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on the evening of May 7 that it is directly supervising the major liability accident case. The Liuyang Public Security Bureau launched a criminal investigation on the day of the incident and has detained company personnel responsible for operations.

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  • Fireworks explosion at Huasheng Fireworks in Hunan on May 4 killed 26, injured 61.
  • Supreme People’s Procuratorate overseeing investigation; company had safety violations, falsified credentials; personnel detained.
  • Province suspended fireworks production; prior Feb fine for improper chemical mixing.
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Who’s Who
Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Ltd.
Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Ltd., based in Liuyang, Hunan, exploded on May 4, killing 26 and injuring 61. Established in 2000 with 5.4M yuan capital, legal rep Hu Zhengping. History of violations: Feb fined for unsafe chemical mixing; borrowed safety manager credentials. Supreme Procuratorate oversees probe; production suspended province-wide.
Hunan Liuyang Fireworks Co. Ltd.
Hunan Liuyang Fireworks Co. Ltd. is the largest shareholder of Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Ltd., holding a 55% stake. (22 words)
Liuyang Liqi Fireworks Trade Co. Ltd.
Liuyang Liqi Fireworks Trade Co. Ltd. holds a 30% stake in Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Ltd., the company behind the May 4 explosion in Liuyang, Hunan, which killed 26 and injured 61. Hunan Liuyang Fireworks Co. Ltd. owns 55%, and individual Wang Wei holds 15%.
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