Politics

An explosion at a fireworks shop in eastern China has resulted in the deaths of eight people, with two others sustaining minor burns. This tragic event took place on Sunday afternoon in a village located in Jiangsu province, just before the Lunar New Year festivities. Officials from Donghai county reported that the explosion was triggered when a local resident set off fireworks near the shop incorrectly, although further specifics have not been disclosed. In Chinese culture, it is customary to set off firecrackers at midnight to welcome the Lunar New Year, which falls on Tuesday this year, marking the beginning of the year of the horse in the Chinese zodiac. However, many areas have recently banned fireworks due to worries about air pollution. Some places may lift these bans after certain governments relaxed restrictions last year. In light of the explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Management has called on all regions to enhance their oversight of fireworks production, transportation, sales, and usage to prevent similar incidents. A statement from the ministry emphasized that testing fireworks near shops should be strictly forbidden and urged local authorities to address any safety gaps to ensure a safe and joyful Spring Festival for the public.