Fire at Jinjiang Shoe Factory Claims 28 Lives in China

A devastating fire at a footwear factory in Jinjiang, a city in south-eastern China, has led to the deaths of at least 28 individuals, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua. The tragic incident occurred at the Huiteng Footwear factory around noon local time (05:00 BST) on Thursday. Dramatic images shared by Xinhua captured thick plumes of black smoke emanating from the building, with some individuals appearing to be stranded on the roof.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the incident as causing 'major casualties' and emphasised that those accountable for the disaster must be held 'strictly accountable'. Jinjiang, located in Fujian province, is known as China's 'shoe capital', being responsible for approximately 20% of global sports shoe production.

According to reports from state broadcaster CCTV, hundreds of rescue workers were dispatched to the site, leading to the evacuation of over 200 individuals. The extent of injuries remains unclear, with authorities investigating the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated on the ground floor where flammable materials were stored.

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have detained several personnel associated with the factory's owners, and measures have been taken to freeze the company’s bank account, as reported by Xinhua. This incident follows a national campaign initiated by China aimed at preventing fires in high-rise buildings, a response to previous disasters that highlighted safety concerns in industrial settings.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and improving safety protocols in the manufacturing sector. Further updates from local authorities are expected as the situation develops.