A child's firecracker ignited a massive sewer explosion, catapulting manhole covers high into the sky in southern China.

Dramatic CCTV footage filmed in Chongqing on January 21, shows multiple sewer manholes erupting in flames, with covers being blown off forcefully.

Amidst the chaos, a nearby white SUV was caught in the turmoil, suffering significant impact from the blast. The explosion scattered debris across the street, with bricks and dust clouding the air.

In the immediate aftermath, a frightening sight unfolded as one of the children was seen with blood on his face. A white SUV, caught in the line of fire, was left smoking, hinting at possible damage.

Emergency response teams, including paramedics and fire rescue personnel, rushed to the scene, quickly attending to the injured child and securing the area. The injured child received prompt medical attention, fortunately suffering only minor injuries.

A local official from the Chenjiaba street office addressed the incident, confirming that the explosion was caused by a child throwing a firecracker into the sewer. He emphasised that the authorities had responded to the scene and would be increasing community awareness to prevent such dangerous incidents in the future.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

1月21日15时41分，重庆市万州区陈家坝，三名小孩在路边玩耍时，其中一名小孩下蹲，把鞭炮扔进下水道井盖下，引发爆炸，附近的多个下水道冒出火光，多个井盖被炸飞，，附近的一辆白色SUV也受到冲击。事故发生后，砖头散落一地，一名小孩脸部有血，白色SUV冒烟疑似受损，120和消防救援人员随后赶到现场处置。
对此陈家坝一名街道办工作人员回应称，当天下午，有小孩将鞭炮扔到下水道引发爆炸，多个井盖被炸飞，有一名小孩受轻伤，“我们已经去现场处理了，也（会）让社区加强宣传”。万州区应急局工作人员称，有小孩在下水道放鞭炮引发爆炸，一名小孩脸部受伤，“（事发地）可能挨到生化池了”。