China investigates 3 more officials over Hunan fireworks factory explosion that killed 37

Anti-corruption authorities in China's Hunan province are intensifying their crackdown following a devastating fireworks factory explosion, investigating three more senior officials from emergency management and local government. The provincial discipline inspection commission announced Thursday that Lei Min, deputy director of the provincial emergency management's safety production rescue command center, Zhong Caifa, former deputy director of the Changsha municipal emergency management bureau, and Yang Hai, deputy party chief and director of the Liuyang municipal emergency management bureau, are under investigation for "serious violations of discipline and law."

These probes follow similar actions against three officials in Liuyang just last week, including a former vice-mayor and a former police deputy captain. This rapid series of investigations forms a direct accountability chain stemming from the catastrophic blast at Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company on May 4. The explosion claimed the lives of 37 people, left 51 hospitalized, and one person remains missing.

The ongoing investigations underscore the intense scrutiny on safety regulations and official oversight in the wake of the tragedy. The authorities appear determined to hold accountable those responsible for regulatory failures that may have contributed to the deadly incident.

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serious violations of discipline and law