China shoe factory fire kills 28; Xi Jinping orders probe into deadly blaze
At least 28 people were killed after a massive fire ripped through a shoe factory in China's southeastern Fujian province, prompting President Xi Jinping to order a full investigation into the country's latest major industrial disaster.
The blaze broke out on Thursday at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, a major manufacturing hub often referred to as China's "shoe capital." Of the 239 people inside the five-storey factory at the time of the incident, 213 were safely evacuated, while 28 people lost their lives, including two who later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Initial investigations indicate that the fire started on the ground floor and spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials and adhesives used in shoe manufacturing. Rescue operations were hampered by blocked stairwells and thick smoke, though firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours.
President Xi Jinping expressed condolences over the heavy loss of life and directed authorities to conduct an exhaustive investigation, identify the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable. Chinese authorities have reportedly detained the factory owner and other company officials while freezing the firm's bank accounts as part of the probe.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over industrial safety standards in China, where workplace accidents continue to occur despite repeated government campaigns to strengthen safety compliance and enforcement.
