China’s Xi airs workplace safety worry after shoe factory fire kills 28

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has voiced concerns about workplace safety following a deadly fire at a shoe factory in Quanzhou that claimed 28 lives. The blaze, which occurred on July 9, happened in a workshop containing flammable materials, according to state media.

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since the beginning of this year, multiple major production safety accidents have occurred

Two individuals initially died in the hospital, with 26 others confirmed dead later. The company's leaders have been detained, and its financial accounts frozen, as investigations into the incident continue. China Central Television reported the fire.

Xi Jinping stated that "since the beginning of this year, multiple major production safety accidents have occurred," emphasizing the need for all regions and departments to learn from these lessons and address underlying problems. Premier Li Qiang echoed this sentiment, urging officials to "strictly prevent major and serious accidents."

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All regions and relevant departments must deeply learn from these lessons and address problems

The Quanzhou fire is the latest in a series of fatal industrial accidents in China this year. In May, a coal mine blast in Shanxi province killed around 82 people, the deadliest since 2009. Days later, five people died in a mine collapse in Yunnan. Also in May, an explosion at a fireworks factory in Changsha killed at least 37 people. These incidents underscore persistent safety challenges despite improvements in recent years.

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strictly prevent major and serious accidents