A fireworks store explosion in China kills 8 ahead of Lunar New Year

An explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China has killed eight people and left two others with minor burns ahead of the Lunar New Year, authorities said.

Winter Heating Solutions

Solimo 2000/1000 Watts Room Heater

Adjustable thermostat • ISI certified • Ideal for small to medium rooms

📦 Featured Product Recommendation

Below is a top-recommended product you can buy on Amazon — support us by using the link below (we earn a commission at no extra cost to you).

🔗 Buy on Amazon

* Shop with confidence — Amazon Affiliate Link

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.* 1

Check Price on Amazon

RR Signature WARMAXX Room Heater

Dual heating mode • Overheat protection • 5-level safety • 2 year warranty

View on Amazon

Borosil 2000W Novus Electric Fan Heater

Made in India • Variable temperature • Horizontal & vertical placement

See Details on Amazon

*Affiliate links. No extra cost to you.

The Sunday (February 15, 2026) afternoon blast in a village in Jiangsu province was caused by a resident setting off fireworks improperly near the store, the Donghai county government said in a statement. It did not provide further details on what happened.

Setting off firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New Year is a tradition in China, but many places have banned fireworks in recent years, at least in part because of air pollution.

They may make a comeback in some places after some governments eased their bans last year.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China, falls on Tuesday (February 17, 2026). It will mark the start of the year of the horse in the Chinese zodiac.

Following Sunday’s (February 15, 2026) explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Management urged all regions to strengthen the supervision of the production, transportation, sales and use of fireworks to prevent future accidents.

A Ministry statement said that trying out fireworks and firecrackers around stores should be strictly prohibited and called on local governments to identify and eliminate blind spots “to ensure the people have a safe, auspicious and happy Spring Festival.”