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 US$1.14 billion worth of fireworks, more than two-thirds of global sales, data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that victims have been taken to Liuyang People’s Hospital for treatment, with the oldest at 68 years old. Most of the injured suffered from bone injuries.
A 28-year-old worker told CCTV that he was working in one of the factory buildings when the explosion happened, and suffered injuries to the left leg. He has since received treatment, and his condition is stable.
CCTV also spoke to another worker who suffered injuries to her legs, the pelvic area and her face.
