BEIJING: An explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China killed eight people and left two others with minor burns on Sunday, local authorities said, days before the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The blast occurred in a village in Jiangsu province after a resident improperly set off fireworks near the store, the Donghai county government said in a statement, without providing further details.
Setting off firecrackers at midnight to usher in the Lunar New Year — also known as the Spring Festival — is a long-standing tradition in China. However, many cities have imposed restrictions or outright bans in recent years, partly due to concerns over air pollution.
Some local governments began easing those curbs last year, allowing limited fireworks displays in designated areas.
This year’s Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday and marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.
Following the explosion, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management called on authorities nationwide to tighten oversight of the production, transport, sale, and use of fireworks to prevent similar incidents.
In a statement, the ministry said setting off fireworks near retail outlets must be strictly prohibited and urged local governments to identify and eliminate safety loopholes to ensure a “safe, auspicious and happy Spring Festival.”
