Lunar New Year chaos as fireworks store explodes, killing at least 12 in China

Lunar New Year celebrations have turned to tragedy after a fireworks store explosion killed at least 12 people in China.

A massive fireball erupted, and emergency services responded in waves after the shop selling fireworks in Xiangyang in the Hubei province exploded, causing mass casualties.

Reports confirmed that at least 50 metres of the fireworks factory and store were wiped out in the fire, and the incident is currently under investigation.

The Chinese government are wrestling with the implementation of laws surrounding the use and sale of fireworks, which are a prominent feature in significant celebrations.

Traditionally used to scare off evil spirits during the festival, the use of fireworks has caused many dangerous incidents in recent months in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.

“Fireworks are still the biggest risks during the Spring Festival period,” the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management told AP.

Two days before the latest fireworks-related incident, there was a similar accident at another fireworks store in the Jiangsu province, that killed eight and injured two others according to People.

Local officials reported that a resident ignited fireworks near anther fireworks store without proper management or distance requirements

Some cities in China have banned fireworks, citing safety and pollution concerns, but locals have mostly ignored the laws and continue to use the pyrotechnics in the streets illegally, according to Reuters

The Spring Festival began earlier this week, marking the start of the year of the horse, and will conclude on March 3 with the traditional Lantern Festival bringing the celebration to a close.