China Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills 12 During Lunar New Year Celebrations

At least 12 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in Xiangyang, Hubei province, China, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The incident occurred during Lunar New Year celebrations, marking the second such explosion in the country in just a few days.

Details of the Incident

The explosion took place around 2:00 PM local time at a fireworks shop in Zhengji town, Xiangyang city, according to Xinhua News Agency . The blast affected an area with a radius of approximately 50 square meters. Emergency services responded to the scene and extinguished the flames by 3:30 PM local time.

Recent Fireworks-Related Incidents

This incident follows a similar explosion on Sunday in Jiangsu province, where eight people were killed and two others injured at a fireworks shop. Officials stated that the previous explosion was caused by someone setting off fireworks too close to the shop . In June of last year, a blast at a fireworks factory in Hunan province resulted in nine deaths and 26 injuries .

Government Warnings and Safety Concerns

The Chinese government had issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the dangers of fireworks, stating that “fireworks are still the biggest risks during the Spring Festival period,” according to the Ministry of Emergency Management . Despite safety concerns and bans in some cities due to air pollution, fireworks remain a central tradition during Lunar New Year celebrations, believed to ward off evil spirits .

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the explosion in Xiangyang .