Post by : Badri Ariffin

At least 28 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city in southeastern China's Fujian province, on Thursday, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

The fire started at around noon local time at footwear manufacturer Huiteng. The flames quickly spread through the multi-storey factory building, trapping several workers on the rooftop as thick smoke filled the area.

Hundreds Were Inside the Building

According to Xinhua, a total of 239 people were inside the factory when the fire began.

Authorities evacuated 213 workers from the building. Two of those rescued later died in hospital. Officials also confirmed that 26 people who had earlier been reported missing were found dead, bringing the total death toll to 28.

Videos released by state media showed large flames engulfing the factory while thick black smoke rose into the sky. Several workers could be seen waiting on the rooftop as rescue teams worked below.

Rescue Operation Continued for Hours

Firefighters and emergency teams continued rescue operations throughout the afternoon.

A local firefighting official told state broadcaster CCTV that the open flames had largely been brought under control by around 4 p.m. local time. However, thick smoke was still rising from the building, and several fire engines continued spraying water into the evening.

Xi Jinping Orders Full Rescue Effort

Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed authorities to carry out an all-out rescue operation following the incident.

He said the fire had caused significant casualties and noted that it came after several deadly accidents at production facilities across the country in recent months. Xi also called for those responsible to be held strictly accountable.

Initial Investigation Points to Ground Floor

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started on the ground floor of the factory, a local official told CCTV.

Officials said shoe-making materials stored inside the building were highly flammable, allowing the fire to spread rapidly.

CCTV also reported that adhesives and other materials at the site produced a strong smell that caused eye irritation for rescue workers. Firefighters said large amounts of stored items had been piled up in stairwells, making rescue and firefighting efforts more difficult.

Company Officials Taken Into Custody

Xinhua reported that people in charge of the company, along with other relevant personnel, have been taken into custody.

Authorities have also frozen the company's bank accounts as the investigation into the fire continues.

Jinjiang Is a Major Footwear Manufacturing Hub

Jinjiang, located in Fujian province, is widely known as China's "shoe capital" because of its large footwear and clothing manufacturing industry.

According to official data, the city's thousands of shoe manufacturers produced more than 1.2 billion pairs of shoes in 2024, accounting for 20% of global shoe production.

#Global News #Asia News #China #World News