28 Dead in China Shoe Factory Fire

Beijing. At least 28 people have died in a fire at a shoe factory in China's eastern Fujian province on Thursday, Chinese media reported. Dozens of fire engines and rescuers were deployed to extinguish the fire.

Hours after the fire broke out around 12 noon local time at the Huaiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, officials suspect that people are still trapped inside the building.

President Xi Jinping said that there was 'great loss of life' due to the fire and those responsible for the incident would be brought to justice. China's Xinhua News Agency confirmed that 28 people had died by evening.

Footage broadcast by national television CCTV showed thick black smoke billowing from the building and firefighters dousing the flames with water jets on the exterior and interior of the building.

People who had spread to the lower floors were seen taking shelter near the windows and on the roof of the building. The Ministry of Disaster Management stated in a statement that 183 rescuers and 35 vehicles were deployed to the scene.

Xinhua quoted Xi Jinping as directing to intensify search and rescue operations.

According to Jinjiang fire chief Du Zhenzhou, the rescue team had to struggle to reach the upper floors of the building as the stairs filled with shoe materials and the exit routes were blocked.

He said that adhesives and raw materials used in shoe production in the factory had further helped to spread the fire. CCTV's live footage showed thick ash-colored smoke emanating from the burnt-blackened building through broken windows.

By Thursday evening, the Ministry of Emergency Management stated that the fire was coming under control. In addition, it has directed to make 'full efforts' to search for trapped survivors, treat the injured, and completely extinguish the fire.

According to Xinhua, some people are trapped and 'out of contact'. "There have been 'many major industrial safety accidents' in China this year, and all sectors and relevant departments must learn serious lessons from this," President Xi said, directing officials after being informed about the fire.