The death toll from a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has climbed to 37, state media reported Friday, as search and investigation efforts continue.
Authorities said one person remains missing following the blast, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
The explosion occurred on Monday at a fireworks plant in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the cause, while all fireworks production in the surrounding area has been suspended as a precaution.
Earlier reports said more than 60 people were injured in the incident.
State-run China Daily reported that the facility was operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., located in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha administration known as one of China’s main fireworks production hubs.
Liuyang has a centuries-old tradition of fireworks manufacturing. The Guinness World Records notes that the earliest documented firecracker is linked to Li Tian, a monk believed to have lived near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty between 618 and 907 CE.
China has seen similar deadly incidents in recent months. In February, separate explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period left multiple people dead.