屡屡违规为何“带病经营”？——湖南临澧烟花厂爆炸事故追踪

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the recurring safety violations at the Shanzhou Fireworks Company, which ultimately led to a tragic explosion resulting in 9 fatalities and 26 injuries. The company has a history of safety issues and has been operating with significant risks despite multiple regulatory interventions [1][3][9]. Company Overview - Shanzhou Fireworks, established from an old workshop, was registered under its current name in 2017 and specializes in combination fireworks products. The company renewed its safety production license in 2024, valid until September 2027 [2]. Safety Violations - Prior to the explosion, Shanzhou Fireworks was repeatedly found to have serious safety violations, including unauthorized changes in workshop usage and exceeding approved storage limits for hazardous materials. The company faced investigations and was ordered to rectify issues multiple times [3][4][8]. - The company had a history of poor safety management practices, such as disorganized storage of materials and exceeding personnel limits in hazardous areas. In January 2023, it was ordered to cease operations for one day due to safety violations [3][4]. Regulatory Oversight - Local authorities conducted numerous inspections, with over 40 checks from January to June 2023, yet the enforcement actions often resulted in mere verbal warnings or minor fines, failing to deter the company's unsafe practices [8][9]. - The local industry association also conducted inspections, identifying multiple safety hazards, but the company's management did not adequately address the root causes of these issues [7][8]. Industry Context - The fireworks industry is a key economic sector in Lingli County, with a projected total industry output value of 60 billion yuan in 2024 and a goal of reaching 100 billion yuan by 2026. However, the focus on economic growth has led to a neglect of safety standards [9][11]. - The article indicates a disconnect between the safety awareness of local authorities and the importance of the fireworks industry, suggesting that the regulatory framework needs to be strengthened to prevent future tragedies [11][12].