28 Dead in China Shoe Factory Fire; Xi Jinping Orders Strict Accountability

A fire at a shoe factory in Fujian Province, southeastern China, has left 28 people dead, according to Chinese state media reports.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) and the state-run Xinhua News Agency on July 10, the fire broke out at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, at approximately 12:04 p.m. local time on July 9. Fire authorities conducted firefighting and rescue operations, and the major blaze was brought under control by around 5:40 p.m.

At the time of the fire, black smoke was seen billowing from the factory building, and it was reported that some workers were trapped inside.

Fire authorities deployed 183 firefighters and 35 fire trucks to carry out firefighting and rescue efforts, and also utilized helicopters for search operations.

The fire is believed to have started on the first floor of the factory.

There were a total of 239 people, including workers, in the factory at the time of the accident, and 213 of them were able to evacuate safely.

During the initial rescue process, two people were transported to a hospital but died, and the 26 people who had been reported missing were all found dead, bringing the total death toll to 28.

Authorities deployed over 500 rescue personnel, including fire, emergency medical, and public security teams, to conduct rescue and recovery operations and are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Immediately following the accident, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all-out efforts to rescue the victims, treat the injured, and support the bereaved families. He also directed authorities to quickly determine the cause of the accident and hold those responsible strictly accountable.

President Xi emphasized that there has been a series of major safety accidents in China this year, and urged all regions and relevant departments to thoroughly implement safety production responsibilities and carefully inspect various risk factors to prevent similar accidents.

He added that safety production measures must be strictly enforced to resolutely prevent major accidents and protect the lives and property of the people.

Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also ordered full efforts to be made in rescue and recovery operations, the prevention of secondary damage, and a swift investigation into the cause of the accident to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law.

• Jinjiang, where the accident occurred, is a major hub for China's footwear industry, often referred to as the City of Shoes.

The city is home to more than 7,000 shoe-related businesses and serves as a production base for major Chinese sports brands.

(Photo: Xinhua News Agency capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.