Breaking News: Fire at Shoe Factory in China
A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city in southeastern China, has killed at least 28 people, according to state news agency reports. The fire broke out at the Huiteng Footwear factory around noon local time on Thursday.
Dramatic footage shows large clouds of black smoke rising from the building, and some people appeared to be trapped on the roof. Over 500 rescue workers were sent to the scene, and more than 200 people were evacuated. Among those evacuated, two later died in the hospital, and 26 others were found dead.
Initial reports suggest the fire may have started on the ground floor, where flammable materials were stored. Nearly 240 people were in the factory when the fire began.
Authorities have detained several individuals connected to the factory’s owners, and the firm’s bank account has been frozen. President Xi Jinping stated that those responsible must be held accountable and emphasized the need for improved safety measures in industrial settings.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about fire safety regulations in China.
