In brief
A large‑scale fire erupted in a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, killing 28 workers and injuring many more. The incident has drawn attention to fire safety protocols in the country’s footwear industry, prompting official statements from President Xi. Sources say the blaze erupted rapidly, producing thick black smoke and massive flames. Authorities are investigating the cause and have paused operations while safety inspections are underway.
At least 28 people died in a blaze that erupted at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city in China’s Fujian province, according to state media. The fire broke out early on Wednesday and spread rapidly through the building, producing thick black smoke and towering flames that were visible from the city outskirts.
Footage posted by Xinhua showed the flames engulfing the factory floor and the building’s roof. Official statements said the blaze had caused significant casualties, suggesting that the true number of deaths may rise.
Jinjiang is often called China’s “shoe capital” because the area hosts thousands of footwear manufacturers. The incident has raised questions about factory safety standards and emergency response plans in the industry.
This story is being updated as additional details emerge. Check back for the latest information.
