28 Killed, Many Feared Trapped in China Shoe Factory Fire

At least 28 people have died after a massive fire swept through a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, southeastern China, on Thursday.

The blaze erupted around midday at the Huiteng Shoes factory, sending thick black smoke into the sky and trapping several workers inside the multi-storey building. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors as some people remained unaccounted for.

More than 180 firefighters and rescue personnel, supported by 35 emergency vehicles, were deployed to battle the fire. Officials said most of the flames had been brought under control by early evening.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to make every effort to rescue those trapped, treat the injured, and investigate the cause of the disaster. He also called for those found responsible to be held accountable.

Authorities believe highly flammable materials used in shoe manufacturing contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which is thought to have started on the ground floor.

Industrial accidents remain a major concern in China, where weak enforcement of workplace safety regulations has been blamed for recurring deadly incidents. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

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