A fireworks factory exploded in China today, sending a large plume of smoke into the sky and injured several workers.

The horrifying incident occurred at the Shanzhou Fireworks Factory in Linli County, Hunan, on Monday, June 16, at around 8:23 am.

Shocking footage shows a female worker rushing towards a building when a powerful blast suddenly erupted, sending debris in her direction.

A massive plume of smoke was then seen billowing into the sky from the burning structure.

Local media reported that the explosion took place during mechanical charging. At least one of the seven operators at the scene was injured, and one remains missing.

An investigation is underway.

In a separate incident, a fireworks factory exploded in Donglan on May 25.

A freak rockfall triggered the blast after a large boulder tumbled downhill and struck the Julong Fireworks and Firecrackers Warehouse.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene but had to wait until the explosions subsided before extinguishing the remaining flames. No casualties were reported.

China remains the world's largest exporter of fireworks, generating USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and accounting for 86.8 per cent of the global market share. The country is followed by the United States and Japan.