BEIJING, Jul 9 (Alliance News): At least 28 people were killed after a massive fire swept through a shoe factory in eastern China’s Fujian province on Thursday, prompting President Xi Jinping to order an immediate investigation and stronger industrial safety measures.
According to AFP, the fire broke out around noon at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang city. More than 500 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to control the blaze and search for people feared trapped inside the building.
State media reported that thick black smoke engulfed the multi-storey factory as firefighters battled the flames. Several workers were seen taking shelter near windows and on the roof while rescue teams continued evacuation efforts.
President Xi Jinping described the incident as a tragedy that caused “heavy human losses” and directed authorities to identify the cause of the fire as quickly as possible. He also ordered strict legal action against those found responsible.
Chinese authorities said the factory owner and several other individuals had been detained, while the company’s bank accounts had been frozen as part of the investigation.
Officials said blocked stairwells and emergency exits, filled with shoe materials, slowed rescue operations. Adhesives and other flammable materials used in shoe manufacturing also fuelled the fire, making firefighting efforts more difficult.
According to state media, 237 factory workers and two delivery personnel were inside the building when the fire started. More than 200 people were safely evacuated, while rescue teams continued searching for anyone still missing.
President Xi called on authorities across China to strengthen workplace safety, saying the country had witnessed several major industrial accidents this year and stressing the need for stricter safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
China has experienced a series of deadly industrial and residential fires in recent months, prompting the government to tighten safety inspections nationwide.
