A fireworks store in Zhengji town, Hubei province, exploded and caught fire around 2:30 PM on 18/2, the second day of the Lunar New Year. Local officials reported the fire spread over an area of approximately 50 square meters and was extinguished within one hour.

Images from the scene showed the fireworks store on the first floor of a four-story building was severely damaged by the blast. An investigation into the cause of the explosion, which killed 12 people, is underway.

The scene of the fireworks store explosion in Hubei province on 18/2. Photo: 163.com

Just four days earlier, a similar explosion occurred in Dong'an village, Donghai county, Jiangsu province, in eastern China, killing eight people. Local authorities determined the cause was a resident "improperly igniting fireworks" near a fireworks store. The investigation into that explosion is ongoing, and several individuals have been arrested.

Traditionally, fireworks and firecrackers are set off across China during the Lunar New Year. Fireworks are believed to welcome prosperity and good fortune, while also warding off evil spirits.

However, in recent years, many provinces and cities have implemented restrictions, even outright bans, on fireworks due to concerns about air quality and safety. Some cities have recently lifted these bans, opting instead for controlled management.

On 16/2, China's Ministry of Emergency Management urged local authorities to learn from the Jiangsu explosion and enhance supervision of the fireworks industry. The ministry stated that officials must "resolutely prevent" similar incidents, also requiring all localities to thoroughly assess safety risks related to fireworks.

They also warned the public about unsafe practices, such as testing fireworks or smoking outside fireworks stores.

Thanh Tam (According to SCMP, AFP)