Factory fire kills at least 28 in China's 'shoe capital'

A devastating fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city renowned as China's "shoe capital," has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people. The blaze erupted at the Huiteng Footwear factory around noon on Thursday, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and trapping individuals on the roof, according to dramatic footage shared by Xinhua.

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major casualties

President Xi Jinping described the incident as causing "major casualties" and demanded that those responsible be held "strictly accountable." He also emphasized that Chinese officials must draw "profound lessons" from the "several major industrial safety accidents" that have occurred in the country this year, calling for the implementation of "rigorous and effective safety measures."

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those responsible must be held "strictly accountable"

Jinjiang, located in Fujian province, is a major global hub for footwear production, reportedly manufacturing 20% of the world's sports shoes. State broadcaster CCTV reported that hundreds of rescue workers were dispatched to the scene, and over 200 people were evacuated. Among the 213 evacuated, two later died in the hospital, while 26 individuals initially reported missing were found dead.

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profound lessons

Authorities have detained several individuals associated with the factory's management, and the firm's bank account has been frozen, state media reported. Initial findings suggest the fire may have originated on the factory's ground floor, where flammable materials were stored. More than 500 personnel were involved in extinguishing the blaze and conducting rescue operations. The incident occurred despite China's recent campaign to improve fire safety in high-rise buildings, initiated after a deadly blaze in Hong Kong last November.

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rigorous and effective safety measures