The investigation into a deadly explosion in a fireworks shop that killed 12 people in Central China's Hubei province has been placed under central government supervision, authorities said on Thursday.

The accident occurred on Wednesday at a fireworks and firecracker retail store in Zhengji township of Hubei, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Following the incident, the State Council Work Safety Committee classified the case as a major accident and decided to oversee the investigation under a special supervision mechanism that is applied to serious safety incidents.

A joint supervision team formed by the committee's office, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Fire and Rescue Administration has been dispatched to the site to guide and monitor the inquiry.

Preliminary reports showed that an explosion followed by combustion occurred at the retail outlet. While emergency rescue operations were launched immediately after the blast, the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Authorities said the supervision process aims to clarify responsibility, identify any safety lapses and prevent similar incidents.

Fireworks production and sales are subject to strict regulation in China due to the associated safety risks, particularly during periods of increased demand around traditional festivals.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn