At least 28 people were killed on Thursday after a massive fire tore through a multi‑storey shoe factory in Jinjiang, located in China’s eastern Fujian province, according to state media reports. The blaze erupted around noon local time at the Huiteng Shoes facility, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky as flames rapidly engulfed the building.
Videos released by CCTV showed workers trapped on the rooftop as smoke swirled around them, with emergency crews struggling to reach those stranded inside. Authorities said several people remained trapped for hours after the fire broke out, prompting a large‑scale rescue operation.
A total of 183 firefighters and rescue personnel, supported by 35 emergency vehicles, were deployed to battle the blaze and search for survivors. Local officials confirmed that rescue efforts continued late into the evening as teams worked through debris and hazardous conditions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the incident as causing “heavy human losses” and ordered an all‑out rescue effort, directing national and provincial authorities to ensure medical support, assist affected families, and prevent secondary disasters. He also called for a swift investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Ministry of Emergency Management said an inquiry has been launched to determine how the blaze started and assess the full extent of casualties. State media noted that further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
The tragedy is expected to intensify scrutiny of occupational safety standards in China’s manufacturing sector, where officials have faced mounting pressure to prevent recurring industrial accidents. The Fujian fire adds to a series of deadly incidents in recent years that have raised concerns over workplace safety compliance and emergency preparedness.