JINJIANG, China — A fire at a shoe factory in one of China’s largest footwear manufacturing centers killed 28 people, state media reported, after flames swept through the multi-story industrial building in the eastern province of Fujian. Authorities said rescue operations had been completed and an investigation into the cause of the blaze was underway.
The fire broke out on Thursday at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang, a city known as a major hub for China’s footwear industry, according to local fire authorities and state media reports. The blaze began around midday and spread through the facility, which contained materials used in shoe production.
Authorities said 239 people, including factory workers and visitors, were inside the building when the fire started. Emergency crews rescued 213 people, while 28 others were later confirmed dead, including victims who died after being taken to hospital, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
More than 180 firefighters and dozens of emergency vehicles were sent to the scene, according to state media. Rescue teams faced difficulties as flames and smoke spread through the building, with officials saying large quantities of shoe-making materials contributed to the severity of the fire.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for efforts to rescue trapped people, provide medical treatment for the injured and investigate the cause of the incident. He also called for those responsible to be held accountable, state media reported.
The factory owner and other people responsible for operations were detained, and company assets were frozen as part of the investigation, state media reported. Authorities have not announced a final determination on what caused the fire.
Jinjiang, located in Fujian province, is one of China’s most important footwear production areas, with thousands of companies involved in the industry. The incident has renewed attention on industrial safety risks in manufacturing facilities, where officials have repeatedly called for stronger compliance with safety rules.
Authorities said the investigation into the fire and follow-up handling of the victims’ families remained ongoing.
