Blast at fireworks factory in China's Hunan kills at least 26 people and injures 61, prompting Xi Jinping to order investigation

The explosion occurred on Monday at a factory compound in Liuyang, Hunan province, killing at least 26 people and injuring 61, with buildings flattened and large smoke clouds visible.

More than 1,500 firefighters, rescuers, medical personnel and police were deployed along with drones and three robots to search for survivors and control on-site hazards; authorities evacuated surrounding areas due to risk from highly combustible black powder stored in two warehouses at the complex.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a thorough investigation into the blast, according to state media reports.