Blast at fireworks factory in China kills 21

A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan ​province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting ‌President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation, state media reported on Tuesday.

The blast in Hunan's capital city of Changsha, home to a hub ​for fireworks manufacturing, occurred on Monday around 4:40 p.m. (0840 ​GMT), according to reports by CCTV and Xinhua.

Videos on ⁠Chinese internet platforms showed thick smoke billowing from a large site ​with collapsed buildings and debris strewn around the area. Reuters could ​not verify the footage.

Nearly 500 firefighters, rescuers and medical personnel attended the scene, according to the South China Morning Post.

The blast happened at Huasheng Fireworks ​Manufacturing and Display Company, media said. Reuters could not find ​a telephone listing for the company to seek comment.

Xi called for a speedy ‌investigation ⁠to determine the cause of the blast and strict accountability for the incident, Xinhua reported.

Last year, China exported $1.14 billion worth of fireworks, more than two-thirds of global sales, data from the Observatory of ​Economic Complexity shows.

Xi ​also ordered ⁠authorities to strengthen risk screening and hazard control in key industries, enhance public safety and ensure the ​safety of people's lives and property.

Xi often issues "important ​instructions" ⁠to local officials after major accidents and disasters with fatalities. Last week, he urged a nationwide upgrade in China's disaster response capacity.

Xi had ⁠also ​issued instructions after a blaze in Hong ​Kong in November at the Wang Fuk Court complex that killed 168 people.

-Reuters