President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts to find people still missing from a massive explosion at a fireworks plant in Hunan province on Monday, and save the injured.

Xinhua News Agency reported that the blast, at around 4.40 pm on Monday at the plant in the city of Liuyang, killed three and injured at least 25 others.

A Xinhua report said Xi has ordered authorities to launch a prompt investigation into the blast and handle the aftermath properly, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.

He said authorities across regions and departments must draw "profound lessons" from the accident and reinforce responsibility for workplace safety. The president ordered strengthened risk screening and hazard control in key sectors, enhanced public safety management, and efforts to safeguard people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang also called for efforts to strengthen workplace safety in key industries and sectors, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a team to Liuyang to guide the rescue and relief work.



Edited by Cecil Wong