At least 28 people have died following a devastating fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, southeastern China, prompting President Xi Jinping to order a comprehensive investigation and demand accountability from those responsible.
The fire broke out around midday on Thursday at the Huiteng Footwear factory, trapping scores of workers inside the facility. Jinjiang, often described as China’s shoe-making capital, produces an estimated one-fifth of the world’s sports shoes.
According to Chinese state media, about 240 workers were inside the factory when the blaze erupted. Emergency responders successfully evacuated 213 people, but two later died in hospital, while the bodies of 26 workers initially reported missing were recovered during search operations, bringing the death toll to at least 28.
More than 500 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed to contain the fire and search the premises for survivors. Images released by state media showed thick black smoke engulfing the factory, with several workers stranded on the rooftop before being rescued.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Xi expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
He stressed that those found responsible must be held accountable and called for stronger enforcement of workplace safety regulations to prevent similar disasters.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have originated on the ground floor of the factory, where flammable materials were reportedly stored.
However, officials said the exact cause remains under investigation.
Authorities have detained several individuals linked to the factory’s management and frozen the company’s bank accounts as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over industrial safety in China, where workplace accidents continue to occur despite repeated government efforts to strengthen safety standards and enforcement across manufacturing industries.
