28 killed in shoe factory fire in southeast China
At least 28 people were killed in a fire at a shoe factory in southeastern China on Thursday.
Beijing: At least 28 people were killed in a fire at a shoe factory in southeastern China on Thursday.
The fire broke out at around noon local time (0400 GMT) in the city of Jinjiang in Fujian province at footwear manufacturer Huiteng.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, 239 workers and two visitors were inside the five-storey building when the fire broke out. Of the 213 people rescued from the factory, two were declared dead after being taken to hospital. Another 26 people who had been missing were later confirmed dead.
President Xi Jinping said the blaze had caused “major casualties”, adding those responsible must be held “strictly accountable”.
In the videos released by the state media, showed people stranded on the roof of the building as thick black smoke was billowing in the sky. Flames could be seen through windows on the upper floors while water from fire engines did not reach them.
CCTV said 183 personnel and 35 vehicles were sent to the factory, and open flames were put out after about four hours.
Xinhua later reported that more than 500 people took part in the rescue and search operation.
