CHINA – At least 28 people have died as a result of a massive fire that engulfed a shoe factory in the city of Jinjiang, in Fujian province, southeast China.

According to Chinese state media, the fire broke out around noon while dozens of employees were inside the multi-story building.


The flames spread rapidly, trapping a number of people on the roof, while fire crews intervened to extinguish the fire and rescue survivors.

The preliminary toll is 28 victims, while authorities are continuing search and rescue operations and investigations to determine the causes of the fire.

Footage released from the scene shows thick black smoke covering the factory, while some workers are seen hanging from the roof and others jumping from a height in an attempt to escape the flames.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reacted after the incident, calling it a tragedy and demanding the mobilization of authorities to deal with the situation, help the injured and conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the fire. Local authorities have launched an investigation.

 

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