A major fire at a footwear factory in China’s eastern Fujian province caused “heavy human losses”, leaving at least 28 dead on Thursday, state media reported, as rescue teams continued search and firefighting operations.
The blaze broke out at around 12.04 pm at a shoe factory in Jiangtou Village, Chendai Township, in Jinjiang city, according to Xinhua. CCTV reported that several people were trapped on the rooftop as flames engulfed the multi-storey building and thick black smoke billowed into the sky.
Firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, deploying 183 rescuers and 35 vehicles. By late afternoon, open flames had largely been extinguished, but hazardous conditions inside the factory prevented rescue teams from entering parts of the building to search for those still missing.
Preliminary findings indicated the fire originated on the ground floor, where highly flammable shoe-making materials and adhesives were stored, causing the blaze to spread rapidly. CCTV said the fumes from the burning materials were highly pungent and caused eye irritation.