The death toll from a fireworks factory explosion in southern China has risen to 37, with one person still missing, according to Chinese state media.

The blast took place on Monday afternoon in Liuyang, a city in Hunan widely known as China’s “fireworks capital”. Authorities said the explosion occurred at around 4:40 p.m. local time.

State news agency Xinhua reported on Friday that rescue operations at the site had been completed, while 51 injured people remain in hospital receiving treatment.

Liuyang produces around 60% of China’s domestic fireworks supply and nearly 70% of the country’s fireworks exports, making it a major hub for the industry.

Investigation Underway

Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. State media said police have summoned eight people for questioning on suspicion of causing the deadly incident.

The investigation is being overseen by China’s top prosecutors.

Following the disaster, officials in Hunan ordered all fireworks factories in Liuyang to suspend operations temporarily for emergency safety inspections.

China’s Deadliest Blast in Years

The explosion is being described as China’s deadliest industrial blast since 2019, when a chemical plant explosion in Jiangsu killed 78 people.

Industrial accidents remain a recurring problem in China despite repeated government pledges to improve workplace safety standards.

Earlier this year, another fireworks factory explosion in Hunan killed nine people.

(with inputs from Reuters)