China shoe factory fire leaves ‘heavy human losses’ as rescuers battle blaze

A major fire at a footwear factory in China's eastern Fujian province caused "heavy human losses" on Thursday, state media reported, as rescue teams continued search and firefighting operations.The blaze broke out at around 12.04 pm at a shoe factory in Jiangtou Village, Chendai Township, in Jinjiang city, according to Xinhua. CCTV reported that several people were trapped on the rooftop as flames engulfed the multi-storey building and thick black smoke billowed into the sky.Firefighters and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, deploying 183 rescuers and 35 vehicles. By late afternoon, open flames had largely been extinguished, but hazardous conditions inside the factory prevented rescue teams from entering parts of the building to search for those still missing.Preliminary findings indicated the fire originated on the ground floor, where highly flammable shoe-making materials and adhesives were stored, causing the blaze to spread rapidly. CCTV said the fumes from the burning materials were highly pungent and caused eye irritation.Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions calling for all-out efforts to rescue those trapped, treat the injured and determine the cause of the accident. He also urged authorities to hold those responsible strictly accountable."No effort must be spared in search and rescue operations and in supporting the families" of those affected, Xi said, according to official news agency Xinhua, adding that the cause of the blaze must be "rapidly" determined to ensure accountability.Officials have not yet released an official casualty figure. Jinjiang, often referred to as China's "shoe capital", produced more than 1.2 billion pairs of shoes in 2024, accounting for about one-fifth of global footwear output, according to official data.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.