Eight people lost their lives and two others were injured in a tragic firework explosion at a sales outlet in eastern China, as reported by local authorities. The incident occurred when one or two residents in a village reportedly ignited fireworks improperly on Sunday afternoon, prompting emergency services to respond promptly to the scene. The explosion subsequently triggered a fire, which local officials stated was extinguished within an hour and a half.

This type of accident underscores the dangers associated with firework usage, especially in rural areas of China where locals frequently set off fireworks to celebrate holidays and significant events, such as the upcoming Lunar New Year on Tuesday. Local authorities in Donghai County have been active on social media to relay information about the incident and to remind residents of proper firework safety practices.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, concerns regarding safety continue to rise, with authorities likely to increase inspections and public safety campaigns regarding firework usage to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved with traditional celebrations in China, particularly in terms of public safety and community awareness.