Search operations basically conclude following deadly fireworks blast in Hunan

Search and rescue operations have been basically completed following a fireworks factory explosion in Liuyang, Central China's Hunan province, local authorities said on Tuesday. The blast has left 26 people dead and 61 others injured as of Tuesday afternoon.

The explosion took place at around 4:40 pm on Monday at a facility belonging to Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha, the capital of Hunan.

Chen Bozhang, mayor of Changsha, told a news conference on Tuesday afternoon that lawful control measures had been taken against those responsible for the company. Air and water quality in the affected area remain normal, according to real-time monitoring.

The injured are receiving treatment with the best medical resources available, and a support mechanism has been set up to assist the victims' families, he said.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. The city government has vowed to carry out thorough safety inspections to prevent similar tragedies.