Translater’s Note: The following data is from a typical Chinese language article regarding this story referenced below:
“On the day of the incident, the store was full of fireworks and firecrackers, the first floor was full of goods, the second floor and the third floor were inhabited, the insider said that at the moment of the explosion, fire rushed directly up the stairs, and the smoke blocked the entire escape route.”
Apparently, the owner (who died in the explosion) was illegally using the the building as a shop, a store-room, and for cheap rented accommodation (possibly for the owner and his family). It is illegal in China for a shop and residential areas to be located in the same single building. Although it is not entirely clear, it may be that all three-floors were being used during Chinese New Year to store excessive firework supplies designed to meet the expected (enhanced) two-week demand. It is illegal to store excessive stock – even within a fully registered shopping area. There is also talk of a “back-draft” – or fires rushing up the stairs – and burning the people trying to escape. ACW (19.2.2026)
Twelve people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks retail store in central China’s Hubei Province on Wednesday afternoon (the Owner, 7 adults and 5 children), local authorities said.
The blast occurred at around 2 p.m. in Zhengji Town of Xiangyang City (Hubei), according to emergency authorities. The fire and explosion affected an area of about 50 square metres. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and open flames had been extinguished by 3:30 p.m.
Twelve bodies were found at the site. The cause of the explosion is under further investigation.
Editor: Mo Honge
Star Comment – Chinese Language Sources:
NetEase comes from Mars mobile phone netizensip – Today at 11:01 (2026)
I went to buy fireworks a few days ago, and a stupid customer came in with a cigarette in his mouth
(网易来自火星手机网友ip: 今天 11:01
Chinese Language Reference:
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 