A major explosion at a fireworks manufacturer in China killed 21 people and injured 61 as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to visit the country, according to Chinese state media. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a swift investigation and strict accountability for those responsible.
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the blast occurred at about 4:43 p.m. the previous day at a fireworks company in Liuyang, Changsha, in Hunan province. Authorities initially reported three deaths and 25 injuries, but the toll rose as rescue work continued. As of 8 a.m., 21 people were confirmed dead and 61 injured. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Xi directed officials to intensify the search for missing people and treatment for the wounded, while quickly determining the cause and holding those involved to account. Premier Li Qiang ordered officials to promptly assess casualties and conduct scientifically guided rescue operations to prevent secondary accidents.
A command center was set up at the site and large numbers of personnel were deployed. A second, detailed search is underway. Public security authorities have placed the company’s responsible person under control as the investigation and follow-up measures continue.
Separately, preparations appeared to be accelerating ahead of a U.S.-China summit planned for next week. China’s Pengpai and Hong Kong’s Ming Pao reported that a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on May 1, followed by three more C-17s arriving on May 2 and May 3, bringing the total to at least four.
Neither government has issued an official statement on the arrivals, but Chinese media have pointed to the possibility the flights carried equipment and supplies for summit preparations. U.S. presidential overseas trips typically involve advance transport of the armored limousine known as “The Beast,” along with communications and security gear.
In addition, a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Sen. Steve Daines, described as a close Trump ally, recently visited China for advance coordination. Pengpai reported the group visited Beijing and Shanghai starting May 1 and focused discussions on economic and trade cooperation and technology issues. Daines previously said U.S.-China competition would be a key topic.
Chinese experts said the trip appeared aimed at laying groundwork for the summit. Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University of China’s School of International Studies, said, “Sen. Daines is seen as an important figure for communication with China within the Republican Party and takes a relatively pragmatic stance,” adding, “This visit will contribute to stabilizing bilateral relations.”
He added, “At a time when a possible visit to China by senior U.S. officials is being discussed, the two sides can create a positive atmosphere for high-level interaction by exchanging positions in advance,” and said the inclusion of Democratic lawmakers showed “both U.S. parties” were willing to strengthen communication with China.
The U.S. side has said Trump plans to visit China on May 14-15 for a summit with Xi, but the Chinese government has not officially confirmed it.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump’s China trip would not change despite ongoing military tensions between the United States and Iran. In a May 3 interview with Fox News, he said, “As far as I know, President Trump is not trying to change the schedule.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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