At Least 28 Killed in China Shoe Factory Fire

At least 28 people were killed after a massive fire swept through a shoe factory in eastern China's Fujian province on Thursday, according to state media.

The blaze broke out around noon at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang city, prompting a large-scale emergency response as firefighters raced to rescue those trapped inside the building.

State news agency Xinhua, citing preliminary official figures, said at least 28 people had died, while concerns remained that others could still be trapped.

Footage broadcast by state television showed firefighters battling the flames with water hoses as thick black smoke poured from the multi-storey factory building. Several people were seen taking refuge near windows and on the rooftop while the lower floors were engulfed in flames.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management said 183 firefighters and rescue personnel, supported by 35 emergency vehicles, were deployed to the scene.

President Xi Jinping described the incident as a tragedy that had caused "heavy human losses" and called for intensified search and rescue operations, prompt medical treatment for the injured, and a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

He also stressed the need to identify those responsible and hold them accountable in accordance with the law.

Authorities said rescue operations and firefighting efforts continued into the evening as emergency crews searched for survivors and worked to bring the blaze under control.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway.

The incident follows a series of deadly fires in China in recent months, prompting authorities to strengthen nationwide fire safety inspections and enforcement measures.