China Shoe Factory Fire: At least 28 people died in a massive fire in a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province of China. President Xi Jinping gave instructions to speed up relief efforts and investigate the accident.
Jinjiang Factory Fire: A massive fire that broke out on Thursday in a shoe factory located in Jinjiang city of Fujian province of China caused a major accident. According to initial information, at least 28 people died in this incident, while many people are feared to be trapped in the building. Expressing deep sorrow after the accident, President Xi Jinping has given instructions to intensify rescue operations and take strict action against those responsible.
Fire broke out in the afternoon, created chaos
The fire broke out at the Huiteng Shoes Factory in Jinjiang around noon local time. Within no time the flames engulfed the entire multi-storey building. The workers inside the factory kept trying to get out, while some people reached the windows and roof to save their lives. As soon as information about the incident was received, the fire brigade and disaster relief team reached the spot and a large-scale rescue operation was started.
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183 rescue workers and 35 fire vehicles arrived
According to China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, 35 fire vehicles along with 183 firefighters and rescue workers were deployed for the relief work. Even after several hours of hard work, it took time to completely control the fire. The administration said that some people are still missing and they have not been contacted. In such a situation, the search operation is going on continuously.
Raw material for shoe making becomes a big challenge
According to Jinjiang Fire Service officials, the factory’s stairs and exits were filled with raw materials used in shoe manufacturing. Due to this, the rescue team found it very difficult to reach the upper floors.
The adhesives and other flammable materials present in the factory played a major role in the rapid spread of the fire, making the situation more serious.
President Xi Jinping gave strict instructions
President Xi Jinping described the accident as a “huge loss of life” and said the cause of the accident should be investigated quickly and strict action should be taken against those guilty of negligence. He also stressed on more strict enforcement of industrial safety standards in all sectors.
Many major industrial accidents this year
Many serious industrial accidents have occurred in China this year. In recent months, a large number of people have lost their lives in fireworks factory explosions, residential building fires and other accidents. After these incidents, the government also started a campaign to strengthen the fire safety system in industrial units and high-rise buildings. The latest accident has once again raised serious questions on factory safety and disaster management system.