Shoe factory fire in southeast China kills 28: reports
A fire at a shoe factory in southeast China killed at least 28 people after flames engulfed the multi-storey building, trapping workers on the roof, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The fire broke out at noon at shoe manufacturer Huiteng in Jinjiang city, Fujian province.
A total of 239 people were in the factory when the fire broke out, Xinhua said.
It was stated that 213 people were able to leave the factory, and two of them died after being hospitalized for treatment.
Another 26 people, who were previously reported missing at the scene, were confirmed dead.
Videos released by state media in the afternoon showed flames engulfing the building and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
About a dozen people could be seen on the roof, apparently trapped by the fire, as smoke swirled around them.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions calling for an all-out rescue effort.
He said the fire “caused significant loss of life” and followed a series of fatal accidents at manufacturing facilities in the country in recent months.
Xi called on authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
A local fire official told state broadcaster CCTV that firefighting and rescue efforts were still ongoing, but by around 4pm the open flames were largely extinguished.
Thick smoke could still be seen rising from the area early Thursday evening as numerous fire trucks continued to spray water, Xinhua said.
Located in the coastal Fujian province, Jinjiang is a major shoe and clothing manufacturing center and is often referred to as the “shoe capital” of China.
According to information provided by a local official to CCTV, initial findings indicate that the fire started on the ground floor of the factory.
The shoe-making materials stored in the building are highly flammable and could cause the fire to spread quickly, the official said.
CCTV said the smell at the scene was strong and caused eye irritation due to the materials and adhesives present.
According to state television, firefighters said that a large amount of items were piled up in the stairwells, hindering rescue and firefighting efforts.
Xinhua said people in charge of the company and “other relevant personnel” were detained and the company’s bank accounts were frozen.
According to official data, thousands of companies that make up Jinjiang’s shoe industry produced more than 1.2 billion pairs of shoes in 2024, accounting for 20 percent of global production.
