Overview
- The explosion and fire hit a fireworks shop in Dongan village, Donghai county, Jiangsu, on Feb. 15.
- Officials confirmed eight deaths and reported two people with minor burns after crews extinguished the blaze by about 4pm local time.
- Local authorities said a villager improperly set off fireworks near the store, and those deemed responsible were taken into custody.
- The Ministry of Emergency Management directed checks and risk assessments across fireworks production, transport, sales and use, with Vice-Minister Xu Jiaai presiding over the meeting.
- The incident occurred just before Lunar New Year as regions see heavier firecracker use, with coverage noting recent factory blasts and evolving local fireworks restrictions.