A devastating factory fire at a shoe manufacturing plant in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, has claimed the lives of at least 28 people, according to Chinese state media. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday when a massive blaze engulfed the multi storey factory, prompting one of the largest emergency rescue operations in recent months.
The fire broke out around midday at the Huiteng Shoes Factory, where hundreds of workers were on duty. Authorities believe additional workers may have been trapped inside as firefighters battled heavy smoke and intense flames. More than 500 firefighters and rescue personnel, supported by 183 emergency responders and 35 rescue vehicles, were deployed to contain the blaze and search for survivors.
State broadcaster CCTV showed thick black smoke pouring from shattered windows while firefighters sprayed water across multiple floors. Some workers were seen taking shelter on rooftops and near windows before rescue teams reached them.
According to officials, blocked stairwells and emergency exits filled with shoe materials slowed rescue efforts. Fire authorities also reported that adhesives and other flammable materials used in shoe production accelerated the spread of the fire, making conditions inside the building extremely dangerous.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the incident as a tragedy resulting in heavy human losses and ordered authorities to carry out all out rescue operations. He also instructed investigators to determine the exact cause of the fire as quickly as possible and ensure that anyone responsible is held accountable under the law.
Authorities have detained the factory owner and several other individuals while also freezing the company’s bank accounts as part of the investigation. Officials stated that 237 factory workers and two delivery personnel were present when the fire started, with 213 people successfully evacuated.
The incident has renewed concerns about industrial safety in China following several deadly workplace accidents in recent years. The government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen workplace safety regulations, particularly after previous industrial fires and explosions that resulted in significant loss of life. Investigators are continuing their search for any remaining victims while examining whether safety violations contributed to the disaster.
