SCMP China reports: As rescuers and volunteers worked to stabilise scene after deadly explosion, witnesses describe overwhelming smell of burnt gunpowder An excavator operator surnamed Xiao said he volunteered to aid rescue work at the site of the initial fireworks plant blast which occurred at the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company on Monday. Xiao described receiving multiple wounds during a further explosion the following day after scattered explosives were ignited by smouldering embers. “I received a call at 5am that the government was dispatching excavators to the rescue.
I felt it was my responsibility to go. I arrived at the explosion site at 6am and started digging with more than a dozen drivers,” Xiao told the South China Morning Post on Tuesday. “The air was filled with a strong burnt gunpowder smell during the rescue, and there were still sporadic sparks at the accident site.” China fireworks factory explosion kills at least 21 people, injures over 60 others Xiao said his main task was to work with firefighters to remove remaining black gunpowder to reduce further risk at the explosion site.
Key facts
- Xiao described receiving multiple wounds during a further explosion the following day after scattered explosives were ignited by smouldering embers.
- “I received a call at 5am that the government was dispatching excavators to the rescue.
- I arrived at the explosion site at 6am and started digging with more than a dozen drivers,” Xiao told the South China Morning Post on Tuesday.
Originally reported by SCMP China. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
