CHINA

Deadly Factory Blast Triggers Sweeping Graft Probe in China’s Fireworks Hub

Published: Jul. 3, 2026 9:52 a.m. GMT+8

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The scene of an explosion that occurred at Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. Ltd. at around 4:43 p.m. on May 4, 2026. Photo: IC Photo

A widening anti-graft probe triggered by a deadly fireworks-factory explosion on the Chinese mainland has ensnared two more senior emergency-management officials, bringing the total number of individuals investigated to at least seven in the past month.

Li Dajian, former head of the Hunan Provincial Department of Emergency Management, and Jiang Zhou, director of the department’s fireworks-safety supervision division, surrendered to authorities on Thursday, the provincial disciplinary watchdog announced.

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Fireworks factory explosion in Liuyang on May 4 killed 37, left one missing, and hospitalized 51.
Two more senior emergency officials surrendered, raising total investigated to at least seven in the past month.
Officials include former Hunan emergency head Li Dajian, fireworks safety chief Jiang Zhou, and several local regulators.

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Who’s Who

Huasheng Fireworks Co.: Huasheng Fireworks Co., located in Liuyang, Hunan, was involved in a catastrophic explosion on May 4 that killed 37, left one missing, and hospitalized 51. The incident triggered a widening anti-graft probe targeting emergency-management officials for regulatory failures.

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What Happened When

May 4, 2026：: Explosion at Huasheng Fireworks Co. in Liuyang, Hunan province, killing 37, leaving one missing, and hospitalizing 51.

June 5, 2026：: Anti-graft officials announced investigations into Li Xiang, former vice mayor of Liuyang, and Liu Yongqi, deputy director of emergency management for Guandu town.

June 11, 2026：: Simultaneous investigations launched into Yang Hai, Zhong Caifa, and Lei Min, three more officials.

June 19, 2026：: Li Dajian, former head of the Hunan Provincial Department of Emergency Management, and Jiang Zhou, director of the fireworks-safety supervision division, surrendered to authorities (based on article date).

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