FUJIAN: At least 28 people lost their lives after a devastating fire swept through a multi-storey shoe manufacturing factory in China’s southeastern Fujian province on Thursday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation and a government investigation.
According to Chinese state media, the blaze erupted around midday at a footwear manufacturing facility in Jinjiang city. The fire spread rapidly through the building, leaving several workers stranded on the rooftop as thick smoke and flames engulfed the structure.
Officials said 239 employees were inside the factory when the fire started. Emergency responders managed to evacuate 213 people, while two injured workers later died in hospital. Authorities also confirmed that the remaining 26 people who had initially been listed as missing were found dead, bringing the total death toll to 28.
Footage broadcast by state media showed dense black smoke rising above the factory as firefighters battled the flames. Rescue teams continued searching the building even after the main fire had been brought under control.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences over the loss of life and directed authorities to make every effort to rescue those affected. He also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged officials to hold anyone responsible accountable. The president noted that the tragedy follows several fatal industrial accidents in recent months and stressed the need to strengthen workplace safety measures.
Firefighters remained at the scene into the evening to extinguish remaining hotspots, while investigators began examining the cause of the fire. The exact circumstances behind the incident have not yet been determined.
