Picture for representational functions solely. Many locations have banned fireworks lately, although setting off firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New 12 months is a practice in China.
| Picture Credit score: AFP
An explosion and fireplace at a fireworks store in japanese China has killed eight folks and left two others with minor burns forward of the Lunar New 12 months, authorities stated.
The Sunday (February 15, 2026) afternoon blast in a village in Jiangsu province was brought on by a resident setting off fireworks improperly close to the shop, the Donghai county authorities stated in a press release. It didn’t present additional particulars on what occurred.
Setting off firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New 12 months is a practice in China, however many locations have banned fireworks lately, not less than partially due to air air pollution.
They might make a comeback in some locations after some governments eased their bans final yr.
The Lunar New 12 months, also referred to as the Spring Competition in China, falls on Tuesday (February 17, 2026). It is going to mark the beginning of the yr of the horse within the Chinese language zodiac.
Following Sunday’s (February 15, 2026) explosion, the Ministry of Emergency Administration urged all areas to strengthen the supervision of the manufacturing, transportation, gross sales and use of fireworks to forestall future accidents.
A Ministry assertion stated that attempting out fireworks and firecrackers round shops needs to be strictly prohibited and referred to as on native governments to establish and get rid of blind spots “to make sure the folks have a protected, auspicious and pleased Spring Competition.”
Revealed – February 16, 2026 10:28 am IST