The death toll from a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central China has risen to 37, state media reported on Friday, while one person remains missing.
The blast occurred on Monday at a fireworks plant in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Authorities said search operations and investigations into the cause of the explosion were continuing.
All fireworks production in the surrounding area has been suspended as a precautionary measure following the incident. Earlier reports said more than 60 people were injured in the explosion.
State-run China Daily reported that the factory was operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha known as one of China’s largest fireworks manufacturing hubs.
Liuyang has a long history of fireworks production dating back centuries.
According to Guinness World Records, the earliest documented firecracker is associated with Li Tian, a monk believed to have lived near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty between 618 and 907 CE.
China has witnessed several deadly fireworks-related accidents in recent months.
In February, separate explosions at fireworks shops during the Lunar New Year period killed several people.
