28 killed in shoe factory fire in China
Photo: Reuters
At least 28 people have been killed in a devastating fire at a shoe factory in China's southeastern Fujian province, where firefighters launched a major rescue operation after workers became trapped on the roof of the building.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the fire broke out around midday on Thursday at the multi-storey factory in Jinjiang city. Several workers were stranded on the rooftop as flames and thick smoke engulfed the building.
In a directive issued following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to make every effort to carry out rescue operations. He said the fire had resulted in a "significant number of casualties," indicating the seriousness of the disaster.
Footage aired by CCTV showed the factory engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Several people could be seen stranded on the roof amid the smoke.
Local fire officials said rescue efforts were still underway, although the main blaze had largely been brought under control.
A total of 183 firefighters and rescue personnel, along with 35 emergency vehicles, were deployed to contain the fire and carry out the rescue operation. (Source: Reuters)
