China moves to crack down on illegal fireworks

China on Sunday issued an emergency circular ordering a nationwide crackdown on illegal production, transportation and storage of fireworks, as New Year and Spring Festival holidays approach.

The move came after two accidents killed seven people and injured six more in Hebei and Shandong provinces on Saturday.

The accidents revealed that there are still loopholes in the supervision of fireworks, according to the circular.

Authorities at all levels should prevent illegal firework activities to ensure similar accidents do not occur, the circular said. Endi