On February 18, 2026, a tragic explosion at a fireworks shop in Xiangyang, Hubei province, resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including five children. The incident occurred during the Lunar New Year celebrations, a time when fireworks are traditionally used to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the explosion triggered a fire that engulfed approximately 50 square meters of the shop. Local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blast, which has reignited discussions about the safety of fireworks during the holiday season. "The fire covered an area of around 50 square metres and has already resulted in 12 deaths," CCTV reported, highlighting the severity of the incident. Eyewitness accounts and videos showed thick black smoke rising from the charred remains of the building, underscoring the chaos that ensued following the explosion.