A deadly fire broke out at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province in southeastern China, leaving 28 people dead. With a significant number of injuries reported as well, the death toll is highly likely to rise further.

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Scene of the fire, which is reportedly a major disaster that claimed as many as 28 lives. / Photo by CCTV

According to reports from China's state-run China Central Television (CCTV) and the official Xinhua News Agency on July 9, a fire broke out at a shoe factory in Jinjiang at around 12:04 p.m. (local time), prompting firefighting authorities to launch extinguishing and rescue operations. Fortunately, the main blaze was brought under control at around 5:40 p.m.

At the time of the fire, thick black smoke billowed from the factory building, which reportedly left some workers trapped inside. Firefighting authorities responded immediately, deploying 183 firefighters and 35 fire trucks to conduct firefighting and rescue operations, while helicopters were also mobilized to carry out search efforts.

The fire is understood to have originated on the first floor of the factory.

Immediately following the accident, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party and State President, ordered officials to "spare no effort in rescuing people, treating the injured, and supporting the bereaved families," adding that they must "swiftly determine the cause of the accident and strictly hold those responsible accountable." He further emphasized, "A series of major safety accidents have occurred consecutively across the country this year," urging that "each region and relevant department must take this lesson deeply to heart, thoroughly fulfill their safety production responsibilities, meticulously inspect all risk factors, and resolutely prevent major accidents."

Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also instructed officials to make every effort in rescue operations, accident handling, and preventing secondary damage, while calling for a swift investigation into the cause to hold parties accountable in accordance with the law.

Jinjiang, where the accident took place, is renowned as a major shoe manufacturing hub, often dubbed the "City of Shoes." The area boasts a dense concentration of around 7,000 businesses and is widely known as a production base for major Chinese sportswear brands. However, its reputation has suffered a significant blow following this tragedy.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do